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ABC News
16 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
Despite being two matches away from potential World Cup qualification, the Socceroos' best attack is still a mystery
A country's football team is rarely, if ever, made up of its 11 best players. International managers have their 'favourites', and with good reason. Seldom do they spend more than a week with their squads, and often, especially at the pointy end of World Cup qualification, there is too much riding on games to forgo a safe pair of hands for the sweaty palms of a debutant. Despite throwing a few selection curveballs in each of the four Socceroos squads he has named since taking over last September, Tony Popovic's favourites are now well established, particularly in attack. Nishan Velupillay, although missing this window through injury, has been both the biggest surprise and success of the early Popovic months, Mitch Duke and Adam Taggart have been in and around all of Popovic's starting 11s despite up and down club form, while Martin Boyle, who has just finished an excellent season with Hibernian in Scotland, has deservedly been an ever present on the right wing. This week, the Socceroos face Japan on Thursday and then Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in the last two matches of round three of Asian World Cup Qualifying. Australia currently sit second in their group and must stay there to earn automatic qualification to next year's tournament. Two draws would be enough to do it, but lose either of the games, and things get difficult. If the Socceroos do fall out of the top two positions, they will enter the fourth round of qualifying, which could end in a dreaded qualification play-off. So, it's both understandable and predictable that Popovic looks set to lean on his attacking in-circle once again this week. But waiting in the wings (and growing increasingly impatient in them) sits an exhilarating crop of uncapped forward talent the likes of which Australian football hasn't seen for decades. Last season, for the first time ever, the top four positions of the A-League's golden boot standings were taken up by Australians under the age of 24. Sydney's Adrian Segecic (20) and the Wanderers' Nicolas Milanovic (23) — who last month made the move to Europe with Scottish club Aberdeen — both had excellent seasons cutting in from the wing, while Adelaide's Archie Goodwin (20) and Western's Noah Botic (23) had breakout years as their teams' attacking focal points. However, all are yet to make their international debuts and won't against Saudi Arabia or Japan. Milanovic was included in the Socceroos pre-camp training squad earlier this month, but didn't make the final cut for the international window proper, while Botic and Segecic weren't named in either. Goodwin, meanwhile, succumbed to a hamstring injury while playing for Adelaide last month. Segecic's and Botic's non-selections have been talking points for a couple of international windows now. Both made 'call-me' goalscoring celebrations after missing selection for Popovic's March squad and Segecic recently told ESPN that he hadn't heard from the Socceroos boss at all despite his stellar year. "I think I wanted to be part of it … maybe I thought I deserved to at least be a part of the training squad. But that's football, and that's how it goes. I can only keep training, doing well, and hope to be part of something next time," Segecic told ESPN. "I think any footballer, if they were in my shoes, having done what they had done, would love to have had a call-up. "I would say it's frustrating, but it is what it is. That's football. You just have to keep going and not put your head down." Injuries to Velupillay and veteran Craig Goodwin as well as the deepening career crisis of Kusini Yengi — who's without a club and short of match fitness after being let go by Portsmouth last month — meant that there were three vacant attacking spots in Popovic's latest squad. In an exciting move, Popovic opted to reward 21-year-old centre-forward Mohamed Toure for his strong season in the Danish first division. Nine goals and three assists for Randers makes him one of the Socceroos most in-form European based players. The only other two out and out strikers named in the squad were Popovic favourites Taggart and Duke. Taggart had, by his standards, a quiet A-League season. He scored 10 goals over the course of the year but only found the net three times after the last international break in March. The 35-year-old Duke, meanwhile, comes into the window off the back of the most club football he's played for well over a year. It's still not much, mind you. He's registered just 383 minutes, mostly as a late substitute, for his Japanese team Machida Zelvia all season. He's scored one goal in that time. In all of Popovic's six games in charge of the Socceroos to date, he has played a variation of a 3-4-2-1 formation. This means that his side always features three main attacking players in the form of one striker and two supporting wide men. That's unlikely to change this week. The striking spot will be taken by one of Taggart, Duke, Toure, or, perhaps most likely, Brandon Borrello. Borrello, although most comfortable on the wing, started up front for the Socceroos in their last game against China in March. He's not quite a natural centre-forward but is a strong presser and hard worker. Either side of that focal point, the Socceroos boss changes the job description depending on the game. Sometimes the wide players are asked to play as somewhat traditional wingers, sometimes as inside forwards and sometimes as more withdrawn, duelling playmakers. Given the magnitude of the upcoming games and the quality of opposition, it is safe to assume that selection will be more on the conservative side. Riley McGree, although just back from injury, is a possible option to provide both support to the midfield and add guile in attack. On the right, Boyle is the favourite to start. He's a hard worker and will provide some pace on the counter. Regardless of what happens against Saudi Arabia and Japan, Australia's attacking questions are unlikely to be answered this week. But if things go to plan, and the Socceroos clinch automatic World Cup qualification still over a year out from the tournament, we could be a step closer to finding them. Because perhaps then, with the peril of qualification play-offs avoided and with 12 glorious months of friendlies ahead of his team, Popovic will see fit to bed in Australia's next generation of goal scorers.
The Herald Scotland
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Auditor names colleges behind financial report delay
In a subsequent letter to the convener of the committee, Auditor General for Scotland Stephen Boyle advised that the colleges in question are Forth Valley College and Lews Castle College. He explained that both had failed to submit audited accounts on time, and that the SFC had therefore been 'unable to complete its financial sustainability report for the college sector'. Stephen Boyle also confirmed that he was preparing statutory reports on both organisations. The report on Forth Valley College, which explores a serious procurement breach that led to the involvement of Police Scotland, has since been submitted to parliament. During a committee session on 7 May, the SFC Chief Executive was asked to explain why reports on the financial sustainability of colleges and universities, which were due to be published in January, have in fact been delayed. The sectors are currently facing major financial challenges, with a number of universities seeking to reduce staff numbers. SFC Chief Exec Martin Boyle told committee members that the reports would be published 'in the autumn', and explained that his organisation had been unable to provide the reports in January as planned after 'a couple of colleges delayed the publication of their accounts.' Asked by Labour's Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP if he could 'put at least some information in the public domain on the financial state of the sector', Martin Boyle suggested that his organisation wanted to wait so that it could 'publish a report that covers all the colleges and universities.' Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie pointed out to Martin Boyle that committee members had previously been worried that SFC 'staff were not being frank with ministers about the dire situation in universities.' Mr Rennie then asked if the delay to the financial sustainability reports might 'feed into our anxiety that you are not being frank with ministers?' Martin Boyle insisted that information is provided to ministers, although conceded that some of this is kept private. Asked by committee convener Douglas Ross MSP to confirm the original and new planned dates for publication of the report, Martin Boyle advised that it would typically have been release by the end of January but will now not be available until September. He then explained that Audit Scotland's involvement in the process was 'part of the reason' why the colleges were late in submitting their accounts. Martin Boyle confirmed that accounts have now been submitted, and was pressed to explain why the report was being delayed until September if all the necessary information is available in May. He replied: 'I will go back and speak to my colleagues, and we will have a discussion about whether we should publish the report now.' An interim report has now been published. Commenting after the release of the names of the two colleges in question, Willie Rennie told the Herald: 'Scotland's colleges are facing deep financial problems and the delay in the Scottish Funding Council publishing the financial sustainability report is a clear indication of that situation. The explanation of the reason for the delay being two colleges, Forth Valley and Lews Castle, provides little confidence that the situation is under control. 'The lack of clarity from the Scottish Funding Council and also the lack of urgency to the extreme financial environment needs to change if we have any hope of overcoming this challenge.' A spokesperson for the Scottish Funding Council said: 'As Scotland's tertiary education and research authority, the Scottish Funding Council has a role in monitoring institutional sustainability to enable the best outcomes for students. 'In addition to our regular financial returns, we work closely with institutions regarding a range of issues, including their financial health. We engage with colleges and universities as soon as financial issues are identified. We then ensure they continue to fulfil their duty to learners and staff as we work alongside them to return to a position of financial health in line with a recovery plan designed to create future sustainability. 'Although we report on a sector-wide level, our interventions are on an institutional basis where, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, we are limited on the details we are able to publish' A spokesperson for Forth Valley College said: 'I can confirm that the delay in submitting the relevant accounts was linked to the College's external auditors carrying out additional scrutiny on the College's accounts related to a wider audit. This has resulted in Audit Scotland submitting a Section 22 report which was released this week. The College's 2022/23 accounts, which are now available, also outline the reasons for the delay. 'The Audit Scotland report also recognised the significant progress we have made in strengthening the processes for college-run projects. These improvements are designed to minimise the risk of similar issues arising in future, and we remain fully committed to regularly reviewing these arrangements to ensure they remain robust and fit for purpose. 'The external auditor's Annual Report for 2022/23 also concluded that with the exception of a stand-alone net zero project - the College has effective arrangements in place for financial planning, governance, and performance management. 'For clarity, the stand-alone project is no longer connected to the College and has been operating as a separate entity since June 2023.' A spokesperson for UHI North, West and Hebrides said: 'There have been significant delays to the external audit process, which resulted in late submission of our year-end accounts for 2022-23. The college do not accept the appointed auditor's view 'that the delay was due to a lack of responsiveness and staffing challenges at the college.' "UHI, as the Regional Strategic Body, submitted a formal complaint to Audit Scotland in December 2023 regarding concerns over the performance of the Audit Scotland appointed external audit provider. These matters continue to be discussed with Audit Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council. 'The basis of the Section 22 report into the 2022-23 accounts of the former Lews Castle College solely relates to a difference of opinion between the college and the appointed auditor on the college's prudent approach to the valuation of a joint venture capital asset.'
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Playing for my country is all I've ever wanted'
Jack Iredale is taking "really high confidence" into his first Australia training camp after his rise to prominence in Hibs' memorable defender is currently with new head coach Tony Popovic's Socceroos squad - alongside clubmates Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller - after his Hibs form was recognised with a first senior who moved to Easter Road from Bolton last summer, had to bide his time before playing a key role in the 17-game unbeaten run that helped propel David Gray's side to a third-place finish."It was a tough start but we managed to turn things around in November and went on a really good run," the 28-year-old said."At the start of the season we set ourselves a goal of European football and finishing third means we've hopefully got a qualifying place."Now I come into the camp with really high confidence after a positive season and I'm just trying to keep things going from there."Iredale, born in Scotland before moving to Australia in his childhood, is eyeing a dream debut in next month's World Cup qualifiers with Japan and Saudi Arabia after fearing for his career following three ACL injuries as a former Australia youth international said: "I've been out of the system now for 13 years. I've been working away to try and get back involved. I'm very excited to be here."It's very rewarding. I had a tough time at the start of my career with injuries but to have this positive step in a good direction with the training camp, hopefully I can do well this week."For me, playing for my country is the only thing I've wanted to do in my career."It's been pretty good. It's been tough but everyone has made me feel really welcome. The boys have been really good."Obviously there's a few familiar faces but even the boys I hadn't met before have made me feel really welcome."
Edinburgh Reporter
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Martin Boyle named in the SPFL Team of the Week after goal and assist against Rangers
Hibs star Martin Boyle has been named in the SPFL Team of the Week. A goal and an assist from the speedy forward helped Hibs to a 2-2 draw with Rangers in what was a very entertaining way for the Easter Road side to finish off a terrific 2024/25 campaign. He is joined in the team by Hearts Stephen Kingsley who scored the only goal of the game against Kilmarnock. Former Hearts defender Danny Wilson who helped Livingston beat Partick Thistle in the William Hill Premiership play-off semi-final also made the team. The team was selected by Craig Fowler of BBC's A View from the Terrace. The full teams is as follows: Cade Melrose (Airdrieonians), Ryan Alebiosu (St Mirren), Danny Wilson (Livingston), Sam Cleall-Harding (Dundee United), Stephen Kingsley, James Forrest (Celtic), Lyall Cameron (Dundee), Lennon Miller (Motherwell), Adam Laaref (East Fife), Martin Boyle (Hibernian), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) Rangers bound Cameron was named Star Man Like this: Like Related
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Iconic Hibee' Boyle backed to 'deliver even more next season'
We asked you for you thoughts on Martin Boyle after the Hibs forward signed a one-year contract extension before taking his goals tally for the season to 20 with a header in the final-day draw with what some of you had to say:Alan: Total no-brainer. Since the November turnaround, Boyle been fantastic and scored pivotal goals to ensure third spot. The thought of Kieron Bowie and Boyle on form is a joy to think of. And then there is the returning Dylan Vente to ponder. With extended European games we need this quality... now get Rocky Bushiri to stay as well!David: Martin Boyle - Hibs legend. Most iconic Hibee in the 21st century!Philip: No team can achieve much without a player like Martin. He's not so fast over distance but he's replacing that with short bursts of movement that his team-mates understand but nobody else does. I can see him ageing into a supersub, a bit like we've had from Dwight Gayle. These guys are so important. They turn draws into An absolute no-brainer extending Squirrel's contract. He has been an outstanding servant to our great club and he will be mightily relieved at this outcome as well! What a great time to be a Hibby!Matt: Easiest decision to make this season - he's quality and still so dangerous. He'll be fired up next season for European football as well as keeping himself firmly in the Australia World Cup squad, so there's plenty more to come from Martin Boyle in a Hibs shirt. Now, get Rocky A no-brainer, one of the best forward in the league. I'm sure he'll deliver even more next season in Scotland and in Europe.
