Central Coast coach Nick Montgomery has admitted his surprise and disappointment after Mariners goalkeeper Mark Birighitti was left out of the Socceroos squad.
Central Coast are priced at 4/1 to finish in the top six of the A-League this season and once again Birighitti is having an outstanding season between the sticks for them.
However that has not been enough to earn him a call up into the Socceroos squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
In fairness competition is strong. Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has opted to go with Andrew Redmayne, Mat Ryan and Danny Vukovic, while Joe Gauci is next on the pecking order it would seem.
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Even so, Montgomery does not agree and thinks Birighitti is playing well enough to warrant a place in the side.
"Everyone can see Birra's form. Not only this season but last year," Montgomery said. "He's deserving of being in that Socceroos (team) but he doesn't pick himself in the team.
"All he's got to do is keep performing consistently and, if he does that, it's only a matter of time. Disappointed for him but he'll keep his head down, keep performing and wait for his opportunity."
However the Mariners will be represented in the squad as defender Kye Rowles is one of five uncapped players to get the nod.
"Delighted for Kye, I've said it numerous times before, I think he's one of the best defenders in the A-League," Montgomery added. "Week-in, week-out his consistency has been admirable for such a young player."
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