Tigers prove point

The Melbourne Tigers' Mark Worthington can't stop the Hawks' Rhys Martin from driving to the basket. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

THE Melbourne Tigers haven't had the league's leading scorer since Andrew Gaze was still doing his thing more than a decade ago.

Yesterday Chris Goulding again showed why he is the man to change that statistic.

After an indifferent start - his first points came from a three-point bomb on the quarter-time buzzer - the Tigers scoring machine flicked the switch and then when the game was on the line delivered to get his team home 81-76 against a dogged Wollongong Hawks.

Goulding finished with his first NBL double-double - 29 points and 12 rebounds - as the Tigers withstood a last quarter comeback to close out their third victory of the season.

While there were several other important contributions including 20 points from Mark Worthington, some improved output from Canadian centre Scott Morrison (12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks) and valuable defensive minutes from youngster Owen Odigie, it was two big plays from Goulding which decided the contest.

With less than two minutes to go the Tigers star drove to the basket, sucking two defenders to him before producing a brilliant no-look behind-the-head pass to Morrison for an easy dunk.

Then with 34 seconds to go and the lead only two points, Goulding wandered into the corner and despite defenders all over him nailed the winning jumper.

Hawks guard Rotnei Clarke, a former US college star with Butler University who led his team with 17 points, summed it up best afterwards: "He (Goulding) is a great player, he takes some tough shots and they go in."

Tigers coach Chris Anstey was happy to mention Goulding, who is averaging 26.6 points this season to lead the NBL in scoring, in the same sentence as Gaze afterwards.

"I don't think this club has had a scorer like him since Andrew Gaze," Anstey said. "That's what he is to us right now at the offensive end, you put the ball in his hands and he creates something.

"Even the bad shots he takes you still expect to go in, and when I say that, they are a bad shot for others but not for him."

It has already been a big year for the Tigers reigning MVP after a workout with NBA star Kyrie Irving earlier in the year led to an invite to the Cleveland Cavaliers' pre-summer league camp and then a spot on the team for its series in Las Vegas.

Worthington, who previously played with Goulding at the Gold Coast, afterwards praised the maturing of his teammate which the man himself admitted was a factor in overcoming his tardy start.

"It is something I have been working on," Goulding, 25, said. "I've realised over the last couple of years that it is a long game, 40 minutes is a long time.

"I think in my earlier years I would have got a bit antsy and tried to force it a little bit but the same thing happened in Adelaide (on Friday night) as well, personally I didn't get off to a great start but it's a long game.

"So I just had to stay in that mindset, try not to force it, take the opportunities when they come."

The victory over the Hawks, who now slip to 1-5, was important for the Tigers given they came up short, 90-87, to the Sixers in Adelaide on Friday night.

Anstey praised his charges for willing themselves over the line given they were once again hampered by injuries with Lucas Walker (illness) sitting out while Nate Tomlinson also battled through a stomach ailment.

"We needed a win, and we ground it out," he said.

The Tigers next game is against the Cairns Taipans on Saturday night at The Cage.

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Fawad's Test hopes take a spin

NSW duo Steve Smith and David Warner hit Sheffield Shield centuries in their clash with Victoria.

FAWAD Ahmed has bowled himself out of Test contention.

The leg-spinner was always going to be the gamble that Australia could not afford to take once Shane Watson broke down with a minor hamstring strain.

Watson will play in the first Test against England at Brisbane's Gabba next week as a batsman but will not bowl.

Fawad had a bad week of Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria, reinforcing the view that he is simply too big a risk.

His elimination from the Test candidates leaves just one place in the team up for grabs.

It is a tight tussle between Tasmanians George Bailey and Alex Doolan which will be decided when the selectors finalise the side at a meeting in Brisbane tonight.

Bailey was a standout during the recent one-day series in India while Doolan has been in sublime form at the start of the first class summer.

As by far the most productive one-day batsman in the side since joining the 50-over team early last year, Bailey remains the favourite to collect a baggy green cap.

Fawad shot into Test calculations when he claimed 6-68 for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia recently.

In his past three Shield innings, including two against NSW last week when he bowled to Test captain Michael Clarke and destructive opener David Warner, Fawad had collective figures of 1-166.

Worse than that, he has conceded more than four runs an over.

The only way Australia was going to take a punt on Fawad was if he continued taking bags of wickets and Watson was able to bowl as a fourth seamer.

But with only three front-line fast bowlers, including a sometimes wayward Mitchell Johnson, the selectors are not prepared to gamble with Fawad.

He may still play later in the series if he can begin claiming wickets again and Watson resumes bowling.

Nathan Lyon's start to the Shield season for NSW has been no more than steady but his accuracy will be vital to try and create pressure on England.

Leg-spinners have a better record at the Gabba than off-spinners in Test cricket, largely thanks to Shane Warne.

The game's greatest spinner claimed 68 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 20, the most wickets ever taken at the Gabba by any Test bowler.

Richie Benaud is the next most successful leg-spinner with 23 wickets in five Tests at an average of 26.

However Lyon is one of just three off-spinners to claim more than eight wickets in a career at the Gabba. He has 11 at 24 in two Tests after a good first game against New Zealand.

The most successful off-spinner at the Gabba is actually West Indian Lance Gibbs, who once held the record for the most number of wickets in Test cricket.

He claimed 14 wickets in two Tests, while Ian Johnson took 12 wickets in six Tests.

Likely team: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon. 12th James Faulkner or Ben Hilfenhaus.

Leg-spinners

Shane Warne - 11 tests - 68 wickets - average: 20 - best figures: 8-71

Richie Benaud - 5 tests - 23 wickets - average: 26 - best figures: 6-115

Doug Ring - 2 tests - 14 wickets - average: 19 - best figures: 6-72

Off-spinners

Lance Gibbs (WI) - 2 tests - 14 wickets - average: 23 - best figures: 5-8

Ian Johnson - 6 tests - 12 wickets - average: 20 - best figures: 3-46

Nathan Lyon - 2 tests - 11 wickets - average: 24 - best figures: 4-69

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NBL: no vendetta against Joey

Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright (left) speaks to the referee during an NBL game against the New Zealand Breakers. Source: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images

THE Adelaide 36ers today will review technical fouls slapped on Joey Wright while NBL referees boss Mal Cooper insists there is no "vendetta" against the Sixers' coach.

"I must stress there's no vendetta against Joey at all," Cooper said.

"Maybe there have been a couple of unfortunate incidents but I will find out from both officials exactly what was said and I will talk with Joey to try and sort it out."

Wright, who has a reputation for volatility but has shown only passion since being appointed coach of the second-ranked Sixers, was hit with a technical foul by Vaughan Mayberry just 4:46 before half-time of Adelaide's recent 96-93 road win over New Zealand.

Import Jarrid Frye was roughly handled by Breakers' swingman Reuben Te Rangi and no call was made, leading to Wright's protestations.

Mayberry replied by giving him a technical foul.

On Friday as the 36ers saw off Melbourne 90-87 at Adelaide Arena, Wright was hit with a technical foul by Nathan Durant 43 seconds from half-time.

Wright had been animated about a no-call when Gary Ervin was knocked to the floor after releasing a three-point attempt.

Wright already had received what appeared to be an unwarranted earlier warning from referee Michael Aylen, prompting Durant's tech.

In both instances, the technical fouls looked more the work of trigger-happy refs than officials understanding man-management.

"Michael (Aylen) and Vaughan (Mayberry) are our Olympics referees so I will talk with both but I know no-one has any axe to grind against Joey," Cooper said.

Adelaide 36ers general manager Dean Parker said he had no issue with his coach's sideline behaviour and felt the officials may have been overly sensitive.

"I'll speak to Joey first before we look at whether we take it up with the NBL or Mal," Parker said.

"Joey is a vocal, emotive man when he's coaching and we wouldn't want him any other way.

"He's done nothing abusive or nothing incorrect and I do have a concern they're (the officials) jumping on him faster than they need to.

"Are they jumping on him because it's him? Calls like those have the potential to be game-changing."

Adelaide is on the road back to Auckland on Friday to again face New Zealand, the Breakers beaten 91-78 by Townsville this weekend and currently seventh on a 2-5 record.

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Cooper deed shows meaning of Cup

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FOR every critic who thinks this World Cup is a waste of time, Ireland captain Liam Finn tells a story that might change your mind.

Finn walked off the field yesterday on the wrong side of a 50-0 hiding at the hands of the tournament favourites Australia.

But on a bitterly cold night in Limerick, Finn then spoke about a moment at the end of the match that he would remember forever.

"Cooper Cronk asked me to swap shirts today after the game," Finn said.

"I play second division rugby league in England and he is probably the best halfback in the world. And he wants to swap shirts with Ireland.

"That's the type of players who play rugby league.

"The message that we get from a lot of the NRL players is they want the game to develop and they are happy to pass on their knowledge and they are secure enough in their own knowledge that they are happy to pass it on."

Jarryd Hayne tackled. Source: Getty Images

Cronk agreed that there was more to this tournament than who wins the final at Old Trafford on November 30.

"The experience to spread the word of rugby league is what it is all about," Cronk said.

"I am just as proud and excited to represent my country as the captain of Ireland.

"It is a chance of a lifetime to come over to Ireland. Play at Wales at Millennium Stadium, one of the biggest venues in the world, and just do as you dreamed of as a kid.

"Now there are guys who play second division, locals from Samoa and Tonga, and you've got guys who are playing professional as well.

"It is a really good mix. It is a great advertisement for rugby league and I hope it continues for the next month."

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The crowd in Limerick was only 5021, but it was the biggest to attend a rugby league match in Ireland.

And as for the future, Ireland's coach Mark Aston was adamant the tournament was a step in the right direction.

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Guru playing for love, not money

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

FOR love, not money sounds like an album cover title for Eric Grothe Jr's rock band, Shinobi.

However, it could also easily become the soundtrack to the 33 year-old's surprising NRL comeback quest, given the former Parramatta and State of Origin winger is set to pocket less than the weekly wage of a brickies labourer.

Offered nothing but a handshake and the opportunity to prove he's serious about returning to rugby league for the first time in three years by Cronulla coach Shane Flangan, Grothe Jr has only the next three months to prove his worth.

If come February either Grothe Jr or Cronulla officials believe the challenge is insurmountable, the powerfully built winger's lofty ambition to once again play for NSW will be buried once and for all.

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

In the meantime, Grothe Jr will be paid the minimum wage, which under the terms of the NRL's collective bargaining agreement will see him earn just $940 a week.

It's a risk Grothe Jr is willing to take as he strives to fulfil what he sees as unfinished business.

"It's not about money,'' Grothe Jr said.

"If it was, I definitely wouldn't be doing it let me tell you.

"All I heard in the meeting with Flanno (Flanagan) and Noycey (Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce) was the word 'opportunity' and I jumped at it.

"We spoke about getting to the point that if both parties are happy when it comes to trials (in February) then we can lock into a contract for the season and I'm absolutely fine with that.''

It was a phone call from Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett, who Grothe Jr was weighing up playing under next season, which convinced him to link with the Sharks.

"Wayne was terrific in considering giving me a chance, but he was also really honest on why he thought the Sharks would be a perfect fit for me, given I live around the corner,'' Grothe Jr.

"I was preparing to move up to Newcastle, but Wayne spoke really highly of Flanno and the players at the club and after a week here I can see why.''

The Sunday Telegraph watched Grothe Jr train in the unfamiliar blue, black and white colours for the first time last Thursday during a boxing session under trainer Mark Gambin at Kostya Tzsyu's gym in Rockdale alongside new teammates Blake Ayshford, Daniel Holdsworth and Matt Prior.

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

And perhaps it's when witnessing Grothe Jr getting punched in the head that you know he's deadly serious about proving he still has something to offer.

"Every day I've got to be on song at training,'' Grothe Jr said.

"I'm 33 and been out of the game for three seasons, so its not a likely scenario.

"But I'm confident because I know what my body feels like and how hard I've been training.

"I haven't felt this good in a long time. I wouldn't kid myself if I was training and felt slow and fat - as if I'd do it. It's the hardest team sport on the planet.''

At his peak, Grothe Jr was a brutally-tough winger.

An explosive ball runner, just like his father Parramatta legend Eric Grothe, he had the ability to deliver the perfect start and finish to every set of six for his side.

The knock on Grothe Jr was his attitude and approach towards training day-in, day-out, but it appears age has forged a new-found respect for the game. He currently weighs 105kgs and is focused on reaching 101kgs in time for next year's trials.

Daniel Holdsworth pictured training for his return to the NRL with the Cronulla Sharks. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

"About five or six years ago it started to go towards a young man's game, but as the years have gone on its changed because of smarter recovery and training.'' Grothe Jr.

"I don't even know myself now, I go home and stretch, I have ice baths. I grab DJ (Daniel Holdsworth) and we go and stretch. It's weird for me, but I'm loving it.''

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Tomlinson 'Golden' in US market

Boxing Hall of Fame dinner. Will Tomlinson and Sakio Bika. Source: Julie Kiriacoudis / News Limited

MELBOURNE boxer Will Tomlinson has broken into the lucrative American market by securing a five-fight guarantee from one of the world's biggest promoters.

"Wild Will," who holds the International Boxing Organisation's version of the super-featherweight world title, clinched the deal last week with Golden Boy Promotions, which is owned by one of boxing's biggest names, six-division world champion Oscar de la Hoya.

While no opponents have been arranged yet, Tomlinson is confident he will soon be fighting for one of the more highly-regarded titles.

"I am very excited. For me, this is like an actor breaking into Hollywood," he said.

Armed with an unbeaten record after 21 fights, Tomlinson moved to Los Angeles soon after his most recent title defence against South African Malcolm Klassen in Melbourne in May in search of opportunities.

Another Melbourne star, Sam Soliman, will return to the ring next month after a lengthy lay-off while he battled accusations of a positive drug test.

Soliman, who turns 40 this week, will take on world-ranked Queensland middleweight Les Sherrington at The Pavilion in Flemington on December 11.

Soliman, who has not lost for five years, last fought in February when he scored a surprise points win over former world champion Felix Sturm in Germany.

German boxing officials claimed Soliman had tested positive to a stimulant, but his B sample was tested in the US and found to be clear, with the International Boxing Federation then ratifying him as its No 1 title contender.

He and Sherrington will contest the WBA Pan Asian Boxing Association's interim middleweight title, with Soliman expecting a shot at the IBF title if he wins.

American Shane Mosley, who walked out on Anthony Mundine the day before they were due to fight in Sydney last month, has agreed to return, with the fight now scheduled for November 27.

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Arthur's Eels battling long odds

Brad Arthur the new Parramatta coach at the Parramatta offices , Parramatta.Picture Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

BRAD Arthur's mission to re-build Parramatta officially starts on Monday.

The rookie Eels coach will take charge in his first day of pre-season training with the added motivation of being written off by the biggest betting agency in Australia.

Released to the public today, The Sunday Telegraph has obtained the TAB's 2014 NRL betting markets, which indicates who the punters believe will fail or fly next season.

The Eels have been installed as firm favourites to claim their third straight wooden spoon and $81 rank outsiders to finish next season as minor premiers.

$2.50 favourites to record the most losses in 2014, Parramatta are just ahead of Mick Potter's Wests Tigers ($5) and then St George Illawarra ($7).

Not that Arthur is fazed by the bookies back-hander.

The rookie coach has hardly wiped the smile off his face since being announced as the replacement to Canberra's Ricky Stuart, last month.

And no bookmaker is going to alter the optimism he has for the Eels next season.

"At the end of the day they've got to put a market up someone has to be at that end of the scale,'' Arthur said.

"I suppose it doesn't put any pressure on us.

"All we're going to do is make sure we give our best every week, we're going to be positive with our approach and we'll see where that takes us.

"When you have six new players come into this squad that come from six different organisations and structures, they all offer different skill sets, different training mentalities and then you've got all those young kids that were given a go in first grade over the last year or two mixed in with the older and experienced boys, I think it's a really good balance and one I'm excited about.''

For the first time in 10 years, the Tigers will start a season without Benji Marshall.

Marshall's exit to rugby union has allowed Potter to get busy in the player market, signing the likes of Dene Halatau, Cory Paterson, Martin Tapau, Blake Austin, Pat Richards and Keith Lulia.

Rising star Luke Brooks will also be entrusted to fill Marshall's void, which is why the bookies believe the Tigers are in for another tough season.

"Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Martin Tapau and Keith Galloway, a lot of clubs would be happy to have that forward pack,'' Balmain legend Steve Roach said.

"Throw in Jesse Sue, whose a potential gun and Curtis Sironen as well and the Tigers are on the improve.

"But the trick for the Tigers will be playing the full 80 minutes, they are competitive for sixty minutes but need to maintain that pressure for the entire match, which is hard to do when you've got so many young guys still learning to play in the NRL.''

TAB's Matt Jenkins said the money teams, like the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney, Manly and Brisbane will all lure punters into breaking out their wallets ahead of a new season.

"Winning back-to-back premierships has always proved so difficult, but interest for the Sydney Roosters to win again definitely peaked after SBW re-signed,'' Jenkins said.

"Daly Cherry Evans remains the key to Manly's success, he has only missed the one game in three years and can't afford to be without him.

"We expect the Brisbane Broncos to be the big improvers and team to watch in 2014. Ben Barba should shine in his new surroundings.''

The TAB have also released markets on the top 8, top 4 and minor premiership with 2013 finalists Newcastle, North Queensland and Cronulla all under $2 to make the top 8.

The Sydney Roosters are firm premiership favourites to go back-to-back ($5) followed by the Rabbitohs ($7), Sea Eagles ($8) and Storm ($8).

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Pay rise denied for Wallaby captain

Ben Mowen ahead of Australia's clash with Italy at Olimpico Stadium in Italy. Source: Valerio Pennicino / Getty Images

WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie has rejected the idea of giving his new captain Ben Mowen a guaranteed top-up contract, but has revealed that he and other players stand to receive bonus points for every five Tests they play.

As part of the ARU's cost-cutting measures, Wallabies players are now only entitled to a top-up

contract once they've played in the side consistently over two years.

It has created an unusual situation for Mowen, who made his Test debut this year at age 28, but

has now been installed as preferred skipper of the side.

Other Wallabies players who signed contracts before the ARU announced its new top-up edict are earning up to three times the salary of Mowen, who is considering his options and could be open to a move overseas next year.

Asked if it was fair that the national captain was not being given a guaranteed top-up payment

from the ARU, McKenzie said: "The top-ups is performance over time, it just so happens that Benny Mowen has just started out in his Test career and someone has given him that (captaincy)

responsibility.

"He's still got to be a performer over time, that's how the top-up process works.

"But that's not to say people aren't incentivised. Top-up payments are a guaranteed situation, but

everyone gets paid for the participation of a Test match, and there might be incentives after

that, you play five Tests and you get a bonus.

"It's an important point. Top-ups are saying 'I am a consistent performer over time, I'm not a

risk because I'm going to be in and around the team for a while in someone's view'.

"It doesn't mean you aren't incentivised, so someone plays five Tests and you get a bonus and a

kick-up, on top of your match payments.

"So no one is missing out.

"There's a couple of layers in that."

McKenzie chose Mowen to replace James Horwill as skipper 10 days ago in a shock move before the Test against England, and has stuck with him for the overnight match against Italy, but says the captaincy is a "week to week proposition".

Mowen captained Australia against England at Twickenham. Source: AFP

"I pick the team based on the circumstances, and that's been varying as we go along," McKenzie

said.

"The contract process is defined by rules and policies, that sits separate.

"Ultimately we're making decisions on the pool of players we've got available at the moment. In

six months' time we might have a completely different pool of players.

"The top-ups don't work like that, you actually earn a top-up through consistent involvement over a long period of time.

"Otherwise who would you give a top up to? We've just capped 12 guys, are they all entitled to

top-ups? You've actually got to do something to earn it.

"I recognise the leadership is a contribution, but to be honest while we put a 'C' or 'V-C' next

to someone's name, there's a bunch of guys here who are leading day-in, day-out, minute by minute.

"They're constantly involved in genuine leadership."

Mowen does not want his contractual situation to distract the team so has decided not to comment about it. But he did speak passionately about his ambitions, suggesting he sees a long future in the Wallabies' gold jersey after being unwanted by the Waratahs just two years ago.

"If you look at it in just the last two years, it's considerably quick, but when you look at my

whole path, it's been a long trudge," Mowen said of his journey.

"I'm proud of myself, this is what I set my sights on doing, and I've had a lot of hiccups and

setbacks along the way, indifferences in form, indifferences in injury, changing provinces and

states, moving families around.

"I did all that because I believed I could get here.

"And to get here is rewarding, but you don't dream of just getting the jersey or getting to this

position and that's it. You do it because you really want to see success."

Mowen has noticed a big difference in captaining the Wallabies as opposed to captaining his

franchise, the Brumbies.

"The biggest difference from provincial to this level is the emotional pressure, because you are

as invested as the supporters are in the result, and it's really disheartening when you don't get

it," Mowen said.

"It's a lost football game, yes, but it is a game Australia has lost. That's the emotional side

that doesn't sit well with you, it takes its toll.

"It is especially heightened as captain, because the coaches hand you the reigns and say 'This is

what we're after, make sure you get it out of the boys'. And when you don't help contribute to

that result it's extremely disappointing."

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Heart broken as Wanderers cling on

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MELBOURNE Heart is bottom of the A-League and remains winless after five games after throwing everything at Western Sydney only to walk away with a 1-0 defeat at AAMI Park.

Shannon Cole''s first half strike was the difference as Heart started and ended the game on top but in the end the resilient Wanderers proved why they are the toughest team to break down, climbing to the top of the table after recording their third win of the season.

Subs Nick Kalmar, Mate Dugandzic and Stefan Mauk helped deliver a 15-minute onslaught at the end in desperate search of an equaliser but the Wanderers held on in front of 8070 fans to remain undefeated.

MATCH CENTRE: HEART v WANDERERS

Despite Heart's barren start to the season fans couldn't complain with the team's desire as they were again unlucky not to find the back of the net, twice striking the woodwork and with two decent penalty appeals.

But that could change, with Heart facing a critical three-week stretch that includes winnable games against Sydney FC (home), Newcastle Jets (away) and Adelaide United (home).

Coach John Aloisi was off his chair urging his troops to find an equaliser in the dying stages and the best chance came from Dugandzic's clever looping header from Behich's cross that struck the underside of the bar.

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There were a series of half chances as Heart threw numbers into the box and surged forward.

But the Wanderers remained a threat at all times and Labinot Haliti and Tomi Juric both had chances to seal the match in the dying minutes, Juric forcing a brilliant save from Andrew Redmayne.

The first half was predictable, summing up both teams in a 45 minute nutshell.

Heart raced out of the blocks and dominated possession and territory for the opening 25 minutes and they had two half-chances to show for it.

The first came on 17 minutes when David Williams almost pounced on an errant Matthew Spiranovic backpass, the second eight minutes later when Michael Mifsud found the side netting from an Iain Ramsay through ball.

A minute later it was Redmayne who touched the ball with his hands for the first time of the night, and he was picking the ball out of the net.

Wanderers left back Adam D'Apuzzo ventured forward and delivered a beautiful cross that Rob Wielaert failed to adequately clear. It fell to Cole _ who replaced Mark Bridge and started in the unfamiliar right wing position _ to smash it home from close range on the second attempt after Aziz Behich blocked the first.

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Brendon Santalab missed a sitter in the 32nd minute to double the Wanderers lead but in his defence he had a split second to react after Spiranovic's header crashed back off the bar. Again it came from a well-worked Wanderers move with Shinji Ono supplying the cross.

Heart's best chance came from Williams' 20 metre strike that skimmed the crossbar five minutes before the break.

Heart again started strong in the second half with Williams sending in a dangerous cross in the 52nd minute that Spiranovic almost turned into his own net.

Rain started pelting down on the hour and Heart continued piling on the pressure as Mifsud's cross forced a goalline clearance from Jerome Polenz before Behich's long-range strike forced a good save from Covic.

Aloisi's attacking subs helped produce more chances but the elusive equaliser just wouldn't come.

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Ryan will have to fight for No.1

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MAT Ryan is the clear frontrunner in the battle to succeed Mark Schwarzer as our No.1 keeper for the World Cup in Brazil - but plenty can happen between now and next June.

The surprise retirement of Schwarzer has left a lot of questions as to who will get the job. As I have said many times before a day is a long time in football, so by that reckoning Brazil is an eternity away.

But right now Ryan is playing regularly and playing very well at Club Brugge in Belgium.

Players need to be playing every week and showing good form, and Ryan definitely has that requirement covered.

Super with his feet and an all-round excellent goalkeeper, he will relish the opportunity. Ryan will likely to get a chance to showcase his skills in the friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney on November 19.

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Mitchell Langerak is the other goalkeeper in the squad. It must be said that Langerak is at a far bigger club in Borrusia Dortmund than Ryan's Club Brugge. And although Langerak is not currently No.1, every time he has been called upon, even in the pressure cooker of Champions League games, he has not only done well, but been an addition to last year's Champions League runners-up.

That means big game experience and pressure will not be a problem for him at all.

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Of the goalkeepers playing in the A-League, Eugene Galekovic for Adelaide is as good as anyone, as is the Wanderers' Ante Covic, who was in the 2006 World Cup squad. Michael Theo is the most successful in terms of what he has won with Melbourne Victory and his current club, the Brisbane Roar. He worked with Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou during their successful time in Brisbane and knows Ange's requirements as much as anyone.

So one thing is for certain, there will be a hell of a fight for the No.1 position of the Socceroos.

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Whoever prevails and wins that fight will have his work cut out at the World Cup, because they will be very busy.

As the late, great Brian Clough used to say, ''you win nothing without a good goalkeeper''. Well all of these goalkeepers are not only good, but very good.

Who eventually will get the nod will come down to two factors: who is playing regularly at the time, and who is performing the best.

Let the battle commence.

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