Mile Jedinak’s focus is on the Asian Cup with the Socceroos despite Crystal Palace upheaval

A jetlagged Mile Jedinak said that his focus was on the Asian Cup, despite the crisis that has engulfed his Premier League club Crystal Palace.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace arrives prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace at Loftus Road on December 28, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

A jetlagged Mile Jedinak said that his focus was on the Asian Cup, despite the crisis that has engulfed his Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Alan Pardew is all but confirmed as Palace’s new manager, on the verge of a dramatic switch from Newcastle United just days after Neil Warnock was sacked.

Ange Postecoglou last week gave an insight into Warnock’s attempts to salvage his job, making an 11th hour call to his Australian counterpart in an ill-fated attempt to postpone his captain’s trip to Melbourne.

Days later Warnock was sacked, after the 3-1 Boxing Day loss to Southampton and just four months after replacing Tony Pulis.

Jedinak played in the 0-0 draw at QPR on December 28 before departing for Asian Cup duty and is still adapting to Australian time.

“I was aware of it (the Warnock call), it was a but too little too late in terms of the timing of the phone call,’’ Jedinak said.

Alan Pardew watching Palace.

“This is an important tournament for me and everyone at the club understood that.

“The situation was handled was great. We knew the date and we got on with the job, everyone got their heads around it and we moved forward.

“I’ve only just woken up and seen the result on the game last night, anything else is me getting used to the time difference.

“The (Palace) boys will be alright, I keep in regular contact and will continue to, but the last few days I haven’t really I’m trying to get used to the time

“I left it behind me once I boarded flight and I left with everyone’s best wishes from the club.

“I’m here to do a job and the sooner I get out on the pitch the better I will feel.

“The focus is here (Asian Cup) at the moment.’’

Jedinak has played 18 games this season, netting five times, but is likely to miss at least another four games due to Asian Cup commitments.

Crystal Palace's Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak.

“My Palace teammates keep me in the loop. I haven’t heard anything about an announcement (on Pardew), so I’ll wait and see what happens with that,’’ he said.

Jedinak was the only player who didn’t partake in yesterday’s hour-long session, merely walking laps at Olympic Park in Melbourne

The midfielder said he will join in full training in coming days.

“With the load recently, it’s just being careful and easing into it and not rushing,’’ Jedinak said.

“Because I know that I’ll get the work done and get myself right for what’s ahead.

“Only my second or third day, still a bit jetlagged, but there’s a buzz among the group.’’

Former Socceroo Josip Skoko presented Jedinak with the AFC international footballer of the year award today, after he was unable to attend last month’s ceremony.

“I’m very honoured to receive the award. I take a lot of pride in that,’’ Jedinak said.

Originally published as Mile Jedinak’s focus is on the Asian Cup with the Socceroos despite Crystal Palace upheaval