Asian Cup 2015: Matthew Spiranovic says Socceroos have World Cup qualifiers in back of mind

MATTHEW Spiranovic says the Socceroos are primed, not just for an assault on this month’s Asian Cup title, but also to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 04: Matthew Spiranovic of Australia speaks with coach Ange Postecoglou during an Australian Socceroos training session at Collingwood training Ground on January 4, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

DEFENDER Matthew Spiranovic says the Socceroos are primed, not just for an assault on this month’s Asian Cup title, but also to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Coach Ange Postecoglou’s regeneration saw him use 44 different players in 2014, while the likes of Lucas Neill, Mark Schwarzer, Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman have all either been moved on or retired from the national team.

The Socceroos need Matthew Spiranovic at his commanding best.

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When fit, Spiranovic holds down one of Australia’s two central defensive positions after years of being in and out of the team.

And the 26-year-old is adamant that the winds of change that have swept through the Socceroos set-up have left the team in a positive position.

“There’s no doubt about it,” Spiranovic said.

“We’ve gone from strength-to-strength over the last 14 months, particularly since Ange has come in.

“He’s found a great balance of young and experienced players and I think we’re showing, in each game, more and more positive signs and I think we’re definitely on the right path leading in to this tournament and the 2018 World Cup.”

After playing all three games in Brazil, Spiranovic had a post-World Cup ankle clean out and only returned just in time to play a small role off the bench in Western Sydney’s Asian Champions League final win over Al Hilal in November.

But despite his lengthy lay off, the 21-times capped Socceroo insists he is fighting fit ahead of Friday night’s clash with Kuwait.

“Last season I had that niggling ankle injury and was getting regular cortisone shots to get through the season,” he said.

“Following the World Cup the club recognised the procedure that could be done to help and I’m thankful that it’s all worked out.

“Over the past year or so I think I’ve been able to take my game to another level because, apart from this ankle injury which was pretty minor, I’ve been able to play regular football.

“Since I’ve been back on the park it’s been smooth sailing and I’m feeling fitter and stronger. I’ve had 10 or so games now under my belt, and it’s got me in good stead coming in to the tournament.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Matthew Spiranovic says Socceroos have World Cup qualifiers in back of mind