16 Nov Bolton’s two candidates for Socceroos captaincy

Two-time A-League winner Clint Bolton would like to see Mark Milligan skipper the Socceroos in the short-term before passing on the armband to defender Trent Sainsbury.

Former captain and influential leader Mile Jedinak announced his retirement from international football in October. A replacement is yet to be announced with the Asian Cup on the horizon.

Bolton explained why he would like to see Milligan take the reins for Australia's upcoming Asian Cup defence in January.

“I think if you’re looking for a short-term captain – Mark Milligan is a lock, put him in for the Asian Cup,” Bolton told SEN Afternoons.

“Mark Milligan is a guy that loves the captaincy, would love to see it before he retires, and he’s had the captaincy now-and-then.

“I’d give it to Mark as almost like a swansong type thing because I don’t think he’ll be around for the next World Cup, but this could be his last big tournament.

“Give it to him because I reckon that galvanises the squad when you see one your elder statesmen get the big gig.”

With the veteran utility unlikely to be involved in Australia’s next World Cup campaign, Bolton believes Sainsbury is the ideal option to take on the captiancy role long-term.

“But long-term solution – Trent Sainsbury stands out,” Bolton added.

“He’s just got the temperament of a leader, the way he deals with referees, off the park he speaks very well and that’s important.”

Australia take on fellow Asian heavyweight South Korea in a friendly clash in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Listen to Clint Bolton's chat on SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher in the player below