Littbarski injects experience for CWC Play-off

Sydney FC defender Mark Rudan has declared he is ready to seize his opportunity as he returns to the starting line up for the 5th place playoff at the FIFA Club World Championships in Tokyo tonight.

Rudan has not started in a competitive match since September 16 as Jacob Timpano has cemented a place at the heart of the Sydney FC defence but with the young defender injured, Rudan is ready to prove his worth to the team at the National Stadium.

“It has been a difficult time for me, especially given my position within the club, but I have continued to work hard, do extra sessions and I have been waiting for the chance to come,” Rudan said.

“Now I have that chance and I am determined to go out there and give it my best shot. I have had plenty of ups and downs in my career and this is just another speed hump that I know I will overcome.”

Rudan will partner Iain Fyfe in the heart of defence with Mark Milligan moving back to his favoured right full back role, replacing Andrew Packer. That is one of three changes that Coach Pierre Littbarski has had to make with injury and suspension creating a few obstacles.

Matthew Bingley also comes into the side for the suspended Alvin Ceccoli while Terry McFlynn has been ruled out with a calf strain and his position goes to Ufuk Talay.

Sydney FC stands to collect and extra $800,000 in prize money if it can overcome Al Ahly, the champions of Africa, whose 55-match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Al Ittihad in the opening match of the tournament.

While the cash injection will come in handy it is pride that is driving the players, according to Littbarski.

“We have a very professional team and the players are driven to finish the tournament with a win,” Littbarski said.

“We know we played well against Deportivo Saprissa in the first game but we don’t care how we play in this game, we want to win.

“It is nice to hear how people think we played and very encouraging for Sydney FC and Australia but in this tournament it is important that we are remembered for our victory, not for the way we played in losing.”

Tonight’s match kicks off at 7:20pm (local time) with coverage starting at 9:00pm (Sydney time) on Fox Sports.

Related Articles:

Deportivo Saprissa down valiant Sydney outfit (Mon Dec 12)
Timpano ruled out of Sydney FC opener (Sun Dec 11)
Bolton in the firing line (Fri Dec 9)
Full steam ahead for Sydney FC with arrival in Japan (Wed Dec 7)