Asian Cup 2015: Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic takes confidence out of playing world’s best

MATTHEW Spiranovic said matching it with the world’s best in Brazil and the Champions League has him primed to make an impact at the Asian Cup.

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - JUNE 18: Robin van Persie of the Netherlands and Matthew Spiranovic of Australia compete for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between Australia and Netherlands at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 18, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

SOCCEROOS defender Matthew Spiranovic said matching it with the world’s best in Brazil coupled with his Champions League campaign has him primed to make an impact at the Asian Cup.

Spiranovic made his first appearance at the Socceroos training camp on Tuesday along with Nathan Burns, Tomi Juric, Massimo Luongo and Jason Davidson, having a light run at Olympic Park.

He hasn’t feartured since the World Cup with ankle surgery hijacking his pre-season, while coach Ange Postecoglou rested him for the last friendly.

Matthew Spiranovic repels the challenge of Robin van Persie at the World Cup.

Spiranovic, 26, revealed that his ‘other’ coach, Western Sydney’s Tony Popovic is destined for Europe’s top flight after he had renewed interest from Crystal Palace.

But matching it with stars from the world’s best leagues, such as Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez, has filled Spiranovic with confidence.

“Personally I felt like I was comfortable playing against the best strikers in the world. You take a lot of confidence and belief out of that,’’ Spiranovic said.

“It was an amazing experience and special to play against the quality we played against, especially when you feel like you can match it with some of the best.

“When you play 14 games to win an Asian Champions League against all different styles, from Japan, China, Korea and Middle Eastern sides you pick up a lot of things and it’ll hold me in good stead leading into a tournament like this.

“With my experience in Japan and being involved in the last Asian Cup I think I’ve got a good understanding about the teams and individuals and the (style).’’

It’s believed Popovic was sounded out by Palace before talks commenced with Newcastle boss Alan Pardew after Neil Warnock was sacked on the weekend.

Popovic was offered the Palace gig last August and more recently had two offers from Asia, and Spiranovic said it’s a matter of time before he departs overseas.

“I put Popa at the very top of the list of coaches I’ve played under and the sky’s the limit for him. It’s a matter of time before he does move to bigger things,’’ he said.

“Ever since I’ve been at the club there’s always been speculation about Popa leaving in Asia and Europe.

“For any coach that’s a huge accolade to be chased by a Premier League side and knowing how ambitious Popa is I’m sure he wants to take his coaching to the next level.’’

Spiranovic has played most games for the Wanderers since returning from ankle surgery and said he’s timed his run well.

“I’m feeling really good. It’s been smooth sailing since the operation, my return was in the ACL final and haven’t had any real problems since,’’ Spiranovic said.

“I didn’t have a perfect pre-season, but now I have 10 or so games under my belt and I’m feeling better each week.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic takes confidence out of playing world’s best