Scans confirm torn hamstring for Franjic

Australia defender Ivan Franjic’s FIFA World Cup appears to be over, with scans revealing the 26-year-old tore his hamstring versus Chile.

Franjic underwent scans on his right hamstring on Saturday and they confirmed he has torn the muscle, which will rule the right-back out of Australia’s next two group matches against the Netherlands and Spain.

With Australia not expected to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup, Franjic’s playing time in Brazil looks to be finished.

“Unfortunately Ivan’s scans aren’t positive, which isn’t good for himself or us,” Australia coach Ange Postecoglou said on Saturday.

Franjic injured his hamstring in the opening minutes of the second half versus Chile in Cuiaba on Friday when he leapt for a high ball.

The Brisbane Roar defender had created Australia’s goal in the 3-1 loss to Chile, crossing for Tim Cahill to score, but was ably replaced in the second half by Ryan McGowan, who has claimed he would be ready to step in against the Netherlands if selected.

McGowan is better known as a central defender and was ripped apart at right-back in Australia’s 6-0 loss to Brazil in September, but insists he will be comfortable as a full-back.

“I played a lot at right-back when I was at Hearts, I don’t feel out of place there at all,” McGowan said.