Spiranovic's Gulf move baffles Osieck

Spiranovic, one of Australian football's brightest prospects, spent two seasons with Japanese giant Urawa Red Diamonds after a stint in Germany.

Spiranovic, 24, has parted company with Urawa to resume his career in the modest surroundings of the Gulf.

He has missed out on selection for the friendly match against Scotland in Edinburgh next Thursday (AEST).

Osieck said he could not understand why Spiranovic, who is now managed by Bernie Mandic, had taken this course of action.

"I don't know what was behind this or what his agent or those around him have negotiated for him," he said.

"I'd rather have him in one of the western European leagues like that in England.

"He's got the potential and he is one player I really rate for the future.

"He could be one of Australia's defenders for the coming years.

"I'm not sure if this move is ideal for him but I must also say that it is a personal decision on Matthew's part.

"I don't know what kind of consultation he had and what advice he had from people close to him.

"I definitely was not involved in any of this move."

Osieck said he and his staff were continuously monitoring the form of all current and prospective Socceroos and will continue to do so leading up to the must-win qualifier against Jordan in Amman in September.

And in rekindling the international career of Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald, who was picked for the first time in more than a year, Osieck said he wanted to prove that no player should every consider himself out of the loop for selection.

"Performance is all-important to me and I don't care about anything else," he said.

"Nobody will ever be forgotten. We look at many players and when I get reports of players doing well they always have a chance.

"Scott was very unfortunate in the game against Wales.

"He had a very good performance but he had to drop out due to injury.

"Josh Kennedy then became a regular scorer so he missed out.

"But he's doing well in pre-season and scoring goals so I decided to give him another chance.

"I want him to be a serious contender for the upcoming important games."