Socceroos: Mitch Nichols confident in coach Ange Postecoglou

MIDFIELDER Mitch Nichols says Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will get the team firing in time for the Asian Cup.

FFA Cup - St Albans Saints v Perth Glory

MIDFIELDER Mitch Nichols is confident Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will get the team firing in time for the Asian Cup.

The Socceroos put in brave displays under Postecoglou at the World Cup, but they have been flaky since, with losses to Belgium, Qatar and Japan showing their frailties.

Australia’s Asian Cup campaign begins on January 9 against Kuwait, giving Postecoglou little time to reverse the team’s recent poor form.

But Nichols is optimistic Postecoglou will be able to work his magic in time.

“He’s got some time before the first game of the Asian Cup to get things right, and I see us pushing all the way in the tournament,” Nichols said.

“For 60 minutes against Japan we were very competitive.

“I think people can see what he’s trying to do. He’s blooding new players and giving them a chance.”

Nichols was named in the expanded 46-man squad for the Asian Cup, and he’s hoping to make the final squad of 23.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou looks on during a training session at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Picture: Getty

The 25-year-old played under Postecoglou for three seasons at Brisbane Roar and then another at Melbourne Victory, and he’s hoping to add to his five Socceroos caps.

“I know what he’s about and had success under him,” Nichols said.

“The way I like to play football suits the way that he wants to play football. If I get another chance in the national team, I hope I can cement my spot in there.”

Nichols was joined in the expanded Socceroos’ squad by his Glory teammates Josh Risdon and Danny De Silva.

The trio will be back in action on Friday night when the ladder-leading Glory host Newcastle Jets at nib Stadium.

Nichols has played a key role in Glory’s resurgence this season, and he said he was glad he decided to leave Japan, where he was struggling for game time at J-League outfit Cerezo Osaka.

“I could have stayed in Japan and collected my wage, but I wanted to come back and play football and push for the national team,” Nichols said.

“It’s been an enjoyable start to the year.

“We’re sitting top of the table and are in the FFA Cup final. I see us growing even more as the year goes on.”

Originally published as Socceroos: Mitch Nichols confident in coach Ange Postecoglou