Australia Need Mile Jedinak – Pim Verbeek

Could the Turkey-based destroyer be the new heart of the Socceroos' midfield?
Australia boss Pim Verbeek says that he needs Turkey-based midfielder Mile Jedinak for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan at ANZ Stadium on April 1, after he was included in the Dutchman’s 22-man squad.

The former South Korea coach spoke at a press conference in Sydney this afternoon, where in a week’s time he will start to prepare his side for the next step on their path to South Africa 2010.

Verbeek told Goal.com immediately after the conference that he had been impressed with Jedinak’s form for club side Genclerbirligi.The 24-year-old seems to be an important figure in the Socceroos manager’s plans, and the absence of Blackburn Rovers midfielder Vince Grella has added weight to whispers that he may be chosen to play from the start.“
He is doing well, I need him in the midfield since Grella is not there,” Verbeek said.The 53-year-old is also looking to the future; with Jedinak’s fellow Turkish club team-mates Bruce Djite and James Troisi getting regular game time, the Dutchman seems to want to protect their place in the team.
He continued, “Troisi and Djite are on the stand-by list.“I’m not willing to take those players away from their clubs because we are happy that they are starting players.
“To take them away from their clubs if they have no chance to make the final 18 will be difficult for them.“They know what they have to do, we are in contact with them, they know they are in the spotlight.“
We think it’s better for them to try and make their place in the team, rather than take them away for 10 days and then have them sit in the stands.”
Con Stamacostas, Goal.com