Hibs’ midfielder Mark Milligan describes being named as the Caltex Socceroos captain as a ‘massive honour.’
Neil Lennon recognised his leadership qualities by giving him the armband for the Aberdeen game and despite the defeat, Milligan was widely praised for his performance.
The 33-year-old was seriously contemplating retiring from international duty after their World Cup campaign in Russia, but Australia’s manager Graham Arnold’s pleas were a major factor in his decision to push on, at least until January’s Asian Cup.
Saturday night’s 1-1 friendly draw against South Korea in Brisbane was the 12th international match he’s started as captain, but it was the first since his confirmation as Australia’s full-time skipper.
Milligan said: “We had a good talk and he spoke about what we wanted to do with the team in terms of playing and things like that. It all felt very familiar, to be honest with you.
“That’s one of the reasons I didn’t make a decision after the World Cup – emotions are high, the World Cup is a very taxing event, the lead-up to it and everything like that.
“[Arnold] gave me a little bit of time afterwards to let the dust settle. Being a great coach as he is, he got the timing right on that as well.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in some very good Socceroos sides led by great players, great captains.
“To now join that elite group is a massive honour. I did have to pinch myself a little bit.
“We have discussed it over the last few camps but once it came out, it really hit home and to see my family’s reaction and things like that as well, it’s a wonderful feeling.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
