Ex-Socceroo Tommy Oar accuses Graham Arnold ‘jobs for the boys’ over Mitch Langerak World Cup snub

Former Socceroo Tommy Oar has sensationally accused coach Graham Arnold of taking ‘jobs for the boys’ to the next level with the likely omission of experienced goalkeeper Mitch Langerak from the Australian World Cup squad.

Arnold is set to unveil his 26-man roster on Tuesday afternoon, but reports that Japan-based Langerak will be left out in favor of Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic, as skipper Mat Ryan’s backups have shocked many football fans, including Oar.

Former Socceroo Tommy Oar (pictured during his playing days) has sensationally accused coach Graham Arnold of taking ‘jobs for the boys’ to the next level with the likely omission of veteran goalkeeper Mitch Langerak from the World Cup roster.

Arnold (pictured) is expected to unveil his 26-player squad on Tuesday afternoon, but reports that Japan-based Langerak will be left out in favor of Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic as skipper Mat Ryan’s backups, shocking many football fans

“It’s an absolute wind-up. Takes jobs for the boys to a whole new level,” Oar wrote on Twitter.

“He has been consistently one of our top performers for the past five years and he is one of the best guys you will ever meet, respected by everyone.”

Ex-footballer Rob Cornthwaite also expressed his disbelief at the impending decision.

“If Mitch has said he wants to go then this is shocking,” Cornthwaite wrote on Twitter.

‘Matt Ryan No.1 and then two No.3 goalkeepers? Perhaps Arnie is trying to instill confidence in Ryan by saying that you are not under pressure for your place? So no stress?

Mitch Langerak (pictured) was in great form between the sticks at Nagoya Grampus and was recently named as the club’s player of the season – breaking his own league record for a clean sheet last year

Just doesn’t make sense to me.’

Langerak, 34, is in great form between the sticks at Nagoya Grampus and was recently named the club’s player of the season. Last year, he broke his own league record for zero.

The one-time Borussia Dortmund gloveman was chosen for September’s two friendlies against New Zealand in Brisbane and Auckland, but bizarrely warmed the bench.

Both Redmayne and Vukovic have worked closely over the years with Graham Arnold and Socceroos goalkeeping coach John Crawley.

Redmayne was considered a lockout after his heroism in the penalty shoot-out win against Peru in June – but Vukovic, 37, is somewhat of a surprise.

Other Socceroos fans were quick to echo their dismay at Langerak’s omission.

Mitch Langerak (48) has held more clean sheets at club level since early 2021 than Maty Ryan, Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic combined (35). Unexplained decision,” wrote sports journalist Jake Rosengarten.

“Yeah, but he’s never had a beer with Arnie or Crawley, and that’s worth at least fifteen clean sheets. GA will always choose its friends first over the interest of the national team. That’s a fact,” replied one Twitter user.

Both goalkeepers Redmayne and Vukovic, who are expected to be selected, have worked closely over the years with Graham Arnold (pictured) and Socceroos goalkeeping coach John Crawley.

“Thanks for mentioning what we all know to be true. The bias towards his mates towards clearly better players is staggering,” wrote another.

The Socceroos will face France in their opening game in Group D on November 23 (AEDT) before further games against Tunisia (November 26, 9pm) and Denmark (December 1, 2am).