Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos star Matt McKay happy with contribution against Oman

IT’S the World Cup all over again for Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay apart from one major difference — the Socceroos are winning.

Australia's Matt McKay scores a goal during the Socceroos v Oman Asian Cup game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. pic Mark Evans

IT’S the World Cup all over again for Matt McKay apart from one major difference — the Socceroos are winning.

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Matt McKay gives the Socceroos an early lead against Oman.

The Brisbane Roar captain played a leading role in Australia’s 4-0 Asian Cup thumping of Oman on Tuesday night, dominating the midfield and scoring just his second goal for the national team.

Having not played in the Socceroos’ 4-1 defeat of Kuwait in last Friday’s tournament opener, McKay has added to coach Ange Postecoglou’s pleasant selection headaches ahead of Australia’s Group A showdown with South Korea at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

It was a similar story at last year’s World Cup in Brazil, where McKay took no part in Australia’s first-up 3-1 loss to Chile.

He was then recalled by Postecoglou and was arguably the Socceroos’ best player in Australia’s losses to the Netherlands and Spain.

“I enjoyed the World Cup, I was happy with how I played there,” McKay said.

“(But) in the World Cup we didn’t progress. We know now we’re progressing.

“I’m happy with my contributions to the side and if I can help, that’d be great.”

Despite being capped 51 times for Australia, McKay’s Socceroos selection is seemingly always scrutinised by a section of fans who don’t always appreciate the skill, nous and workrate he brings to Australia’s midfield.

Not that McKay minds. A late bloomer in terms of regular Socceroo selection, he’s happy to play whatever role is required of him and will never take his place for granted.

And that even includes when a match is being play on his home ground, as is Saturday night’s contest.

“I know (Suncorp) Stadium like the back of my hand. I really enjoy every game I play at Suncorp,” he said.

“If I’m involved it’ll be great but I just hope we keep winning.”

Having already guaranteed themselves a quarter-final berth, the Socceroos only need a draw against the South Koreans to secure top spot in Group A.

“But knowing Ange I think the first thing he’ll say is we want to win the game and for sure we want to make a statement,” said McKay, who wants the Socceroos to again prove their superior fitness.

“(It’s) a good sign that we can continually grind teams into the ground and (South) Korea’s our next challenge.”

Apart from beating South Korea, McKay has one other wish — for Mathew Leckie to score a goal.

The Socceroos, who have so often relied on Tim Cahill to find the back of the net, have already had eight different scorers in this tournament.

But attacking weapon Leckie hasn’t been one of them despite his outstanding efforts.

“We just need Lecks to score now. For me he’s had two great performances so far, and hasn’t been on the scoresheet,” McKay said.

“We just need him to score now and I’m sure that will come because he’s a great player and he’s helping the side.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos star Matt McKay happy with contribution against Oman