James Troisi backs his Socceroos spray over Asian Cup omission

On top of his game in the absence of Keisuke Honda, Victory striker James Troisi has declared that he has no regrets over his pre-Asian Cup Socceroos broadside.

Troisi isn’t afraid to speak his mind. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

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Melbourne Victory star James Troisi declared that he has no regrets over his pre-Asian Cup Socceroos broadside.

And Troisi, who’s stepped up in Keisuke Honda’s absence, issued a warning to Victory’s rivals as he, Ola Toivonen and the Japanese superstar prepare for a rare union in Sunday’s blockbuster against Perth Glory.

Troisi has been superb since his criticism of Graham Arnold seven weeks ago, scoring five goals and eight assists in 16 games.

Troisi isn’t afraid to speak his mind. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

While Troisi will forever go into the annals of Australian soccer after his extra-time Asian Cup winner in the 2015 final, his form certainly warrants Socceroos consideration.

Troisi, 30, stands by his assessment in the wake of Australia’s quarter-final exit.

“It’s funny, everyone wants truth and honesty. Then when you do, everyone wants to smash you,’’ Troisi said.

“Most footballers don’t want to say anything. It’s good for people to speak the truth every now and then.

“I’m not spiteful. I didn’t agree with a few things that were happening. It’s no extra motivation, I’ve just continued playing doing a job.

The Socceroos could have done with Troisi’s bite in the UAE. (Mark Evans)

“I’ve been through a lot in my career, that nothing will affect me. I’m comfortable with the way I’m playing and the position I’m in and what I’ve done for the national team — been to a World Cup, Olympics, won the Asian Cup, Confederations Cup.

“I wouldn’t recommend Tommy Deng come out and says the truth, because he’s just starting. But the truth needed to be told and looking back, I wasn’t wrong.

“I’m at ease with everything — whatever the future entails, I’m fine with. I want to play for the national team. But there’s too much politics involved.”

Troisi, who is out of contract and has not offered a new deal yet, said his perceived uplift in form was down to Victory’s new system and formation, adding that his metrics were similar to last season. He was also relishing a Honda reunion.

“Keisuke has missed a massive chunk of the season, he brings quality. We’ve linked up quite well and then just the intimidation for the other team, when you’ve got him on your team sheet it’s quite frightening (for opponents),’’ he said.

“I’m not satisfied. I want to keep improving, but there’s still a lot more to come.

“For me, it’s the style of football we’re playing suits me and you can see that on the pitch. It’s not always easy to enjoy your football, it’s tough and a grind and you’ll always have ups and downs with any job but I’m really enjoying it this season.”

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Originally published as James Troisi backs his Socceroos spray over Asian Cup omission