Makeshift leftback Kye Rowles shapes as crucial to the Socceroos' hopes of securing a spot in the final round of World Cup qualification as Graham Arnold waits to learn the results of Jordy Bos's knee scan.
Owing to his late arrival in Australia, Arnold started Bos on the bench in Thursday's 2-0 win over Lebanon in Sydney with Rowles, who is a centre back, forced to play on the left side of a back four.
But Arnold's plans were thrown into chaos when Bos came on for Riley McGree, who had a foot injury, in the first half, only to succumb to knee trouble himself.
The pair will be sent for scans with Arnold hinting Middlesbrough midfielder McGree and Belgian-based Bos would be unavailable for Tuesday's trip to Canberra where the Socceroos play Lebanon again.
With regular leftback Aziz Behich out of this window and Bos likely sidelined, there is an extra emphasis on the importance of Rowles, who netted his first senior international goal in Thursday's win.
"We're very comfortable with each other playing at the back," Rowles said.
"Whoever's in there, we know what role they're going to do and we have full belief and trust in each other.
"It's different (at leftback) going forward, but defensively it's all the same to me.
"I'm just happy to be out there and do the job needed for the team just like all the boys in the squad.
"I'm just going to give it my all no matter what and where I am.
"I'm playing on the wide left of a back three anyway at my club (Hearts) so it's not that big of a transition."
Rowles looked comfortable on Thursday dealing with Lebanon's most dangerous player, Hassan Matouk, but as a whole Arnold is stressing the need for his side to lift their efforts.
While Rowles' goal and an early cross/shot from Keanu Baccus helped the Socceroos to a win, there were still some unconvincing moments from Australia that would have been punished by superior opposition.
"There was a bit of sloppiness and the pitch wasn't easy to play on," Arnold said.
"We have to be better than that and towards the back of the game we gave Lebanon a bit more confidence.
"We've got to rebuild and I said that before the Asian Cup but the most important thing is we got the three points and we move forward."
Australia can book their place in the final stages of qualification for the 2026 tournament with a win.
Australian Associated Press
