Fit-again Baccus eyes Socceroos impact in Jakarta

A settled Keanu Baccus has declared himself fit to help rekindle the Socceroos' direct World Cup qualification hopes in Indonesia.

A hamstring niggle kept Baccus out of last Thursday's shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on the Gold Coast, which came as a massive setback for Australia as it began the third and potentially final qualification stage for the 2026 showpiece.

The Socceroos enjoyed 70 per cent possession and made more than double the passes of Bahrain but produced only four, easily-saved shots on goal.

A red card to striker Kusini Yengi, who has since been replaced in the squad by John Iredale, and a 79th minute own goal against the run of play, completed a disastrous night for the hosts.

Only the top two in a pool that includes heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Japan, as well as China, will earn automatic qualification.

Settled and content after a recent move from Scotland's St Mirren to newly-promoted League One outfit Mansfield Town, Baccus wants to make an impact on Tuesday at Jakarta's monstrous Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

"It's not easy to get good moves in football," he said. "This one came up and I felt attracted to what they were offering to help me grow.

"Ever since the World Cup ... it gave me that belief I belong here and want to showcase my ability and talent.

"It's going to be great; 90,000 (spectators), no fear, play our hearts out and get the result hopefully.

"My campaign starts from Tuesday; nine games to this road to '26 and hopefully start it with three points."

Bahrain sat back to deny the Socceroos any space in attack, then frustrated the hosts by restricting ball-in-play time with gamesmanship that coach Graham Arnold and captain Mat Ryan conceded their side handled poorly.

Baccus said Indonesia, ranked 53 places lower than the world No.80 Bahrain, would be similarly tricky opponents for the world No.24 side to break down.

"It's a tough group and Asian teams ... they're investing well and on the day, very tough opponents to play against," he said.

"This whole group's going to be tough."