Luke Wilkshire reflects on journey from Socceroos’ new face in 2006 to veteran in current squad

LUKE Wilkshire was at the start of his career when he played in the 2006 World Cup - just like most of the current Socceroos will be in Brazil.

L to R: Socceroos Goalkeeper Mat Ryan and defender Luke Wilkshire clown around after doing the rounds with the clown doctors. Socceroos helping the Clown doctors on their rounds at the Sydndey Children's Hospital in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in june. Picture: John Appleyard

AFTER a mixed season, Luke Wilkshire has a third World Cup appearance in his sights, but a visit to the Sydney Children’s Hospital with some of his Socceroos teammates put everything into perspective for him.

“It’s nice to come here, it’s something real with the children and it puts a lot of things in perspective,” Wilkshire said.

“We’re about to go on a great adventure, which is something to really enjoy, but you come here and you see some things that are much more important in life.”

At 32, Wilkshire is the veteran of Ange Postecoglou’s new generation Socceroos.

The defender, who plays in Russia for Dynamo Moscow, is certainly the most experienced player in the backline and believes he can offer advice to the youthful players around him.

Wilkshire admits it’s a “different” looking squad and he hopes he still fits in with Postecoglou’s plans for Brazil.

“Obviously there have been a lot of changes and I’m hoping to still be a part of it,” he said.

“Any help or anything my experience can bring to the younger guys that are coming in, I’m happy to help and do that. I think a lot of them have a long way to go in their careers and a lot to experience.”

Luke Wilkshire (bottom, centre) brought some joy to Sydney Children’s Hospital. Picture: John Appleyard.

Wilkshire was at the start of his career when he played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany - just like most of the current Socceroos will be in Brazil.

He took confidence from the faith then coach Guus Hiddink showed him and says his young teammates should do the same.

“I look at someone like Massimo Luongo, who is playing for Swindon in the lower division, and Bailey Wright,” Wilkshire said.

“When I first made my appearance to the Australian public it was in the 2006 World Cup when Guus Hiddink showed faith in me. I look at that and they should be able to look at that and see that as an opportunity too - to believe and work hard and the opportunity will come.”

The trip to the hospital put things in perspective for Wilkshire. Picture: John Appleyard.

Wilkshire only joined the Socceroos camp on Wednesday after finishing his season in Europe, but now the hard work begins to make sure he is part of the final 23-man squad.

He can’t describe what it means to play in a World Cup, but is hopeful of experiencing another one.

“This is something completely new for the majority of the squad,” he said.

“For some of us who have been there, when you realise what’s awaiting you when you get over there, it’s hard to explain. The last two World Cups were incredible and something that’s really hard to explain - you have to go over there and feel it.

“It is a tough group and no one is giving is a chance, but we as a group have to believe in ourselves and what we can do and, anyone who knows football, anything is possible when you believe and work hard.”

Originally published as Luke Wilkshire reflects on journey from Socceroos’ new face in 2006 to veteran in current squad