Patrick Yazbek eyes Socceroos debut against heritage nation as Arnold hits back at calls he should play for Lebanon
Emerging Australian talent Patrick Yazbek is in line for an emotional Socceroos debut against his heritage nation on Tuesday night, with Lebanon’s coach questioning his decision not to represent them.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who plies his trade at Norwegian side Viking FK, was virtually promised game time by coach Graham Arnold on Monday, after going through multiple international camps without getting on the pitch.
Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulovic had clearly noted that fact, saying the former Sydney FC player should have followed other Australian-born talents Jackson Khoury and Yahya El-Hindi into his squad.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Radulovic went so far as to label Parramatta product Khoury the “future” of his team.
“Yazbek is now with Australia, if he’d decided to play for us ... he (would have) come to play for his country,” he said.
“I think he’s better to be one of the leaders in our team than sitting on the bench, but this is his decision.
“And I’m not interested any more.”
Radulovic’s comments were relayed to Arnold, who had a simple reply.
“He’s Australian, first and foremost,” he said.
“It’s in the blood, it’s in the heart, the passion obviously.
“He’s a fantastic kid, he will more than 90 per cent get match minutes tomorrow night and make his debut against Lebanon.
“It’s a great thing for him and his family they’ll never forget, also playing against his nation.”
After beating Lebanon 2-0 in Sydney last week, Australia would progress to the final round of World Cup qualifying with a win in Canberra on Tuesday.
That being the case, Arnold could use June’s potential dead rubbers against Bangladesh and Palestine to blood new talents, including any wrestling between two eligible nations.
But he hinted he would stick with the winning formula, given the Socceroos have jumped ahead of Korea to be ranked as the No.3 Asian side.
“I can do that ... but what’s important is we win these three games, and that’s my biggest thing at the moment, obviously staying ahead of South Korea,” Arnold said.
“They have a tough game (on Tuesday night), Thailand away ... it’s important that we win these three games.”
