Risdon work ethic lands spot on Socceroos squad

Bunbury-raised defender Josh Risdon has been named as part of the 23-man Socceroos squad that will compete in the World Cup in Russia.

Risdon is one of three WA players to be named in the squad alongside goalkeeper Brad Jones and defender Trent Sainsbury.

Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk unveiled his final 23-man squad on Saturday, cutting West Australian Nikita Rukavytsya, James Troisi, Josh Brillante and Fran Karacic from the training group.

Risdon played 76 minutes in a friendly against the Czech Republic where he impressed the Socceroos coach.

At a press conference, van Marwijk praised the Bunbury player’s work ethic.

“I was very happy with the performance of Risdon. Everything, his total performance,” he said.

“He works very hard every day, so he deserves to play there. I see him improve everyday.”

The Socceroos will play their first match of the cup against France on Saturday, June 16.

They will then face Denmark on June 21 before their final group match against Peru on June 26.

Risdon made his senior debut for the Socceroos in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh in 2015 and is currently signed with the Western Sydney Wanderers