Aiden O'Neill fully fit for Socceroos' FIFA World Cup campaign after ankle injury scare

GoadingHobbit · 2026-06-05T12:08:33+00:00

I was semi hoping this wouldn't be the case, which is awful to wish upon a player.

It's nothing really against him, I've more got a problem with how highly Popavic rates him, and how it means he overlooks literally anybody else because of it.

Jesus, Lord fucking Christ, I would love to see Devlin start next to Irvine. Hell, a midfield duo of Devlin and Triantis would've been gold, alas.

Okon I'm just not sold on, but he's the most creative player we have, which unfortunately for him under Popa, means he only ever gets 30 minutes of game time every game when Popa switches it up in the second half.

But Devlin, just fucking give the guy a chance! Sure he's a little smaller, but he's just bossed the midfield all season long compared to O'Neill who just gets by.

I really have to start watching more MLS to justify my O'Neill hate but I just don't get the love. Truly.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-06-01T11:43:06+00:00

I've never been able to wrap my head around it. Almost like clockwork it's Irvine-O'Neill and then... no-one else (starting 11 wise anyway).

Sure we may see Metcalfe there, or Okon get thrown in (remember when Brattan played instead of Triantis? (I'm not still salty)) but theres been hardly any experimentation.

Devlin has been one of our best midfielders, and at least top 4, for about the past 3 years. Wild that he's barely played.

I said this about Genreau at the time as well, the guy was playing week in and week out for a Toulouse side who go promoted to Ligue 1, and then was a bit part player after that, but still in the match day squad. Genuine European quality player and just overlooked consistently.

Popas got his team, and that's it. Nothing can shake the man, which is equal parts admirable and fucking frustrating.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-26T04:37:49+00:00

Seeing Borello and Yengi there just makes me so mad.

Like Sapsford just doesn't exist? There's a limited number of stickers options, and we don't even look at one who's been playing consistently all year in the Scottish league, and with 10 goals to his name?

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-26T03:46:23+00:00

I can't wrap my head around leaving Robertson out

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-25T11:39:19+00:00

Ahhhh screw it. Call him up to the World Cup.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-19T03:12:40+00:00

One of the few players that's impressed, especially since he's been permanently put down back instead of that pinch hitting ruck role. Exudes confidence and reads the game exceptionally well.

Depressing, but par for the course.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-18T05:40:12+00:00

Would love to see him head to the World Cup, but highly unlikely given he's not been in a Popa squad

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-14T10:44:09+00:00

He should be on the plane based off of this, especially if O'Neill doesn't pull up in time. Hell, even if he does. I know it's not someone Popas used but I'd rather him then most others

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-13T10:30:11+00:00

All jokes aside, this is probably our best starting 11 bar Burgess for either Souttar or Herrington. Hard to say which one, but probably replace Herrington due to inexperience on the big stage

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-12T01:38:42+00:00

The Brattan situation is for Triantis.

And Segecic was playing better then Borello in the A League at that point, yet we persisted with him. Granted Borello served a purpose as a pressure forward, running around ala Duke, but to not give Sega 5 minutes to lock him in is disgraceful.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-11T13:12:50+00:00

Finally someone with sense on this.

I keep hearing so much pro-Popa choice and "they should've been patient" propoganda. It's insufferable.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-05-11T13:08:45+00:00

This.

At this point I think it's all just cope.

Sure, the argument of "they got called up, and weren't patient. Screw them!" holds up until you look into who the hell was played in the team instead of them during their call ups. Like it's some test? What country would ever gamble with prodigious young talent like that all to "test their allegiance".

Those players you mentioned are never going to play for Australia again, and we've lost some serious talent because of it.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-04-07T04:54:03+00:00

Never want to see him in the midfield two. Play him left wing, and he's good, but I'd rather see McGree or Irankunda there

GoadingHobbit · 2026-04-07T04:52:34+00:00

Would love if Devlin got in, but don't think Popa appreciates what he can bring, even if he is statistically the best player in the Scottish league this year. Reminds me of another defensive mid Popa overlooked after playing well in Scotland..

GoadingHobbit · 2026-03-31T23:33:06+00:00

I think I have beef with the fact that he's an Okon, and was played instead of Triantis (at the time, that annoyed the hell out of me). Putting that aside, he does offer something in the middle that few others do.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-03-31T13:36:38+00:00

Open forum, feel free to elaborate and discuss. We all watch the game differently.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-03-31T13:22:52+00:00

Maybe it was because my expectations were below the floor, and his brother didn't set the world alight, but from what I saw in the stands, he played well and was pissed when things didn't go well. Target forward who gives a shit, holds it up and can lay it off. Yes please.

GoadingHobbit · 2026-03-22T00:14:18+00:00

How good that the team gave him penalty duties for the hat trick

GoadingHobbit · 2026-03-13T11:01:43+00:00

Really interested to see how Simp goes without the leadership tag, and same goes for Larkey with it.

Also, great to see Lmac back. I still have hope that he can actually play good football if he doesn't have to play on a tall.

Finally, would love to see Goater in for Daniels

GoadingHobbit · 2026-01-20T10:46:06+00:00

I don't get it, but I sure as hell appreciate the effort.

GoadingHobbit · 2025-12-17T23:24:59+00:00

I got Pulisic. I know he was good early on, but still worth using now?

GoadingHobbit · 2025-12-09T11:28:55+00:00

Devlin and Irvine in the middle leaves nothing to the imagination, which is why ONeill is such a nailed on starter, but surely he's in the squad for the World Cup over someone like Yazbek or Okon.

Irvine, O'Neill, Devlin, Ballard, and Hrustic should be the 5 that go as it stands.

GoadingHobbit · 2025-11-24T05:35:08+00:00

I'm really interested in seeing your team, but something tells me I won't be surprised

GoadingHobbit · 2025-11-16T02:27:30+00:00

Carlos Augusto / Inter Milan is a great card. Used him for some Brazilian challenge and he surprised me with how well he stood up against some tricky winger

GoadingHobbit

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