Oar tunes up for Champions League bid

Fringe Socceroos winger Tommy Oar played his first full 90 minutes overnight for APOEL as they prepare for their UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Oar, 25, joined the Cypriot champions last month after spending 18 months with Roar on a marquee deal.

The 28-time Socceroo put in a full shift as APOEL defeated Greek club Panionios 1-0 as they prepare for their July 12 clash with Luxembourg champions Dudelange 91 in the Champions League qualifiers.

The appearance came less than a week after starting and played 75 minutes in APOEL’s 3-1 win over Latvian outfit Spartaks Jurmula.

#StartingXI: #APOELFC - @panionios_fc (Φιλικός αγώνας) #preseason2017 #APOPGSS #apoelfclive pic.twitter.com/BzrBHXQFVx
— APOEL FC (@apoelfcofficial) July 5, 2017

The Cypriot top flight is one of first European leagues to get underway, with an early August start.

Before then, Oar’s side face Dudelange 91 in the second qualifying round for the Champions League, with the matches on July 12 and July 19.

APOEL, who have won the past five Cypriot titles, have missed out on Champions League qualification the past two seasons, losing to FC Copenhagen and Astana in the play-off round.

The Cypriot club qualified for the Champions League group stage in 2014-15, while they famously reached the last 16 in 2011-12.