ThyGoat wrote:
So a younger Mark Bresciano in the making?
No he's much more of a defensive player
Missing Milligan carpeted
May 3, 2008
TARDY Olyroos skipper Mark Milligan will be given a chance to explain himself today before any decision on axing him from Australia's Olympic Games soccer team.
Milligan failed to show up for the start of the Olyroos' training camp in Townsville this week.
Instead he was in England, believed to be trialling with English Premier League side Arsenal and linked with a possible move to either the Gunners or league rival Manchester City.
Milligan is expected to return to Australia today and it remains unclear if any action will be taken against him by Olyroos management.
But the 22-year-old defender/midfielder is one of the Olyroos' most important players and has been the cornerstone of the team coach Graham Arnold has built for Beijing over the past two years.
Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said Milligan would be given the chance to explain his absence.
"I think it's premature to comment on those (sanctions) until we've had an opportunity to talk to Mark personally about the reasons why he wasn't there on time," Buckley said. "In fairness to him, we need to give him that opportunity."
Milligan's manager Tom Brookes said on Thursday that the FFA had been aware he would not be in Townsville for the start of the camp. But Buckley confirmed yesterday that Milligan had been expected in camp.
Milligan's contract with A-League club Sydney finished at the end of last season and he has been chasing an overseas deal since. But he needs a work permit to link with a European club.