Two Crystal Palace players featured for their nations last night as the first international break of 2015 got underway, with a goal from Eagles skipper Mile Jedinak being the highlight of the night.
The 30-year-old who is currently banned from domestic competitions after elbowing West Ham striker Diafra Sakho last month, has only one more game left on his ban and a run-out for his nation is proving to be handy as the midfielder scored a curling free-kick against the current world champions Germany, to put his side ahead in the game after going down earlier on after Marco Reus scored the opener in the first 20 minutes.
His presence was required after he scored his eighth goal for Australia as after going behind, the Germans began to increase the pressure on the visitors who had been quite shaky at the back in the first half of the game. Jedinak helped beef up the defence as he started to sit back towards the latter part of the game but better late than never, Lucas Poldoski came up with the equaliser for the hosts – denying the Australian’s a memorable victory in Europe.
Speaking after the game to the media, the Crystal Palace and Australia captain said: “It will take (belief) to the next level. I think everybody, if they didn’t believe, will now.
“If we really are going to take it up to the next level you have to be a little disappointed that we didn’t hold on considering the amount of opportunities we had.
“They had some opportunities as well but it’s part of us growing as a group, even against the likes of Germany.”
Fellow Palace midfielder James McArthur also featured last night (Wednesday) in Scotland’s 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at Hampden Park, playing 63 minutes before being replaced by West Brom’s James Morrison.
Christopher Berra scored the only goal of the game with only five minutes left on the clock, giving them a much needed push ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday against Gibraltar where McArthur could be handed his 19th cap for his nation.
Barry Bannan who is currently on-loan at Bolton Wanderers appeared on the bench for Scotland but that is how it remained as he failed to make an appearance, he will although be hoping to feature against on Sunday in their European qualifying game.
