Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold confirmed Central Coast Mariners pair Nectar Triantis and Josh Nisbet are on his radar as Australia prepare to reunite with Lionel Messi’s Argentina this month.
Australia and world champions Argentina will go head-to-head in Beijing, China on June 15 after the South American powerhouse edged the Socceroos in the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Melbourne City trio Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren and Marco Tilio were in the squad for that contest last year, while Mariners duo Jason Cummings and recently-retired Socceroo Danny Vukovic, along with Garang Kuol – prior to his Newcastle United switch – were also involved.
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Arnold was on a scouting mission for Saturday night’s Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final between the Mariners and three-time reigning premiers City at CommBank Stadium, and he added another two uncapped players to his radar – both from Central Coast, 20-year-old centre-back Triantis and 23-year-old midfielder Nisbet.
Outgoing City full-back Jordy Bos, who will depart the club for Belgian top-flight outfit Westerlo, will be in the squad to face Argentina.
“Obviously the boys from Melbourne City,” Arnold told Network 10 when asked who he was eyeing for the Socceroos’ squad ahead of the Argentina clash.
“Jordy Bos will be in the squad. He’s had a fantastic season. Obviously looking at Leckie and Jamie Maclaren, and Aiden O’Neill.
“The Mariners, young Triantis is going away with the Olyroos. He is doing fantastic. Young Nisbet is doing great as well. Jason Cummings of course.”
Triantis has been a revelation since joining the Mariners from Western Sydney Wanderers at the start of the season amid links to Sunderland in England’s EFL Championship.
The talented centre-back is in the Olyroos’ squad for this month’s prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament in France, where Mariners teammate Jacob Farrell and Tilio will also feature for Tony Vidmar’s side.
Before the Grand Final, Triantis made 25 appearances in the 2022-23 season – a career high.
Nisbet has also enjoyed a career-high for appearances with 27 prior to the decider as the diminutive midfielder has further established himself in Nick Montgomery’s side.
