Perth Glory defender Michael Thwaite has spoken of his delight at being named in the Qantas Socceroos squad for this month’s vital World Cup qualifier against Oman.
Perth Glory defender Michael Thwaite has spoken of his delight at being named in the Qantas Socceroos squad for this month’s vital World Cup qualifier against Oman.
Three points at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium would move Holger Osieck’s men to within touching distance of a place at Brazil 2014 and Thwaite may well get the nod to start in the absence of skipper Lucas Neill, who is suspended and Sasa Ognenovski and Matthew Spiranovic, both of whom have both been omitted from the squad.
“I’m very excited to be involved again and I can’t wait for the camp on Monday to start,” he said.
“I think it’s a must-win for us as all games at home normally are and I believe we can take confidence from the last few games where we’ve got late wins and move on from there.
“Holger is all about the intensity that you show at camp and I think we’ll all be on a level playing field in terms of selection.
“There are some new faces who have come in for the last few friendlies, so we need to get that balance right and fine-tune for the game.”
The 29-year-old’s involvement with the national side rules him out of Perth Glory’s round 26 visit to Melbourne Victory, but he will be available to face Wellington at nib Stadium on Sunday and feels that home advantage will play a key role in helping drive the men in purple into the finals.
“I’m thrilled with how things are going at the moment,” he said.
“Alistair (Edwards) has come in and done a great job.
“We take confidence out of three wins from four, but we are switched on about this weekend because Wellington have made some changes as well and it’s going to be a really tough game.
“Everyone says the cliché about taking each game at a time, but I think we’re all looking forward to the three last games and it’s great that we have two of them at home.
“I think the new stand will be finished for the last game, so hopefully we can try and fill it.”
On a personal note, meanwhile, the former Gold Coast man was keen to reiterate his ongoing commitment to the club having been the subject of several big-money offers from Asian clubs in recent weeks.
“I’m a pretty loyal person,” he said, “and regardless of the money that’s on offer in Asia, I’ve got a responsibility to Perth Glory.
“My family and I made a massive commitment to come here from our home territory in Queensland so again, I want to show my loyalty and help us reach the finals.”
PERTH GLORY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX
Sunday, March 17
nib Stadium
Kick-off: 4pm
