Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says A-League expansion, and a move to at least 30 games per season, is the only way to continue the talent production line and boost Australia's standing on the world stage.
While English Premier League star Harry Souttar will miss the Socceroos' second game against Ecuador on Tuesday night after suffering an ankle knock last Friday, Riley McGree will be included in the starting line-up among 'six or seven changes' to the team.
Arnold suggested that one reason for McGree's 'unbelievable form' with English Championship team Middlesbrough was the increase in the amount of games he's played and that needed to be replicated in Australia.