Asian Cup 2015: Massimo Luongo hoping to bring top club form with Swindon to Socceroos

SWINDON Town’s Massimo Luongo feels he better placed to make an impact on the Asian Cup than the World Cup, where he was an unused substitute.

Socceroos training at Olympic Park, (L) Massimo Luongo gets around (R) Terry Antonis. Melbourne. 3rd January 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

SWINDON Town’s Massimo Luongo feels he better placed to make an impact on the Asian Cup than the World Cup, where he was an unused substitute.

The midfielder was one of the surprise inclusions in the 23-man squad and despite training strongly didn’t feature, with coach Ange Postecoglou preferring Oliver Bozanic and Matt McKay in midfield.

Continually overlooked for Australian youth sides, Sydney-raised Luongo played Cup football for Tottenham but it’s with Swindon where he’s blossomed.

Massimo Luongo is impressing in Socceroos camp.

Luongo, 22, has dominated for his English third-tier club since then, scoring three goals in 21 games with his team gunning for promotion, while impressing in Socceroos friendlies.

“A year ago I never thought I’d be in the final 23 of the Asian Cup,’’ Luongo said.

“Leading into the World Cup, I thought the Asian Cup was more realistic to play in, which is true because I didn’t play in the World Cup.

“I knew this would be the more important tournament for myself.’’

Luongo, whose Swindon midfield teammate Yaser Kasim is part of Iraq’s Asian Cup squad, said he was not nervous about his Socceroos status having adapted from his club.

“At first it was difficult because for Swindon we play a different way. We’re a bit more relaxed, we pass the ball a lot, but it’s at a nice tempo and we play against teams who are rash.

“Here everything’s got to be quick. Internationally, I’ve learnt that if you lose the ball, you might not get it back for a few minutes.

Massimo Luongo has been in great form for Swindon Town.

“It’s a massive transition, but I’ve adapted quite well but I’ve got a lot to learn.’’

Luongo has attracted Championship interest and while he can advance his cause during the Asian Cup, his focus is impressing Ange Postecoglou rather than European club scouts.

“It can’t do any harm, if I do well anywhere people start talking and that creates interest,’’ Luongo said.

“But that’s not why I’m here, it’s not the focus of this tournament. I didn’t come here thinking it would be best to progress at club level, I’m here to progress my international career.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Massimo Luongo hoping to bring top club form with Swindon to Socceroos