Socceroos midfield stalwart Marco Bresciano has declared himself match fit after four-month ban

SOCCEROOS midfield stalwart Marco Bresciano has declared himself match fit after serving a four-month suspension earlier in the year.

Australian national soccer team Socceroos player Mark Bresciano (R) looks on as midfielder Mile Jedinak (L) speaks at a press conference in Gosford on May 21, 2014. Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak was named captain of Australia's World Cup squad following the axing of Lucas Neill. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--

SOCCEROOS midfield stalwart Marco Bresciano has declared himself match fit after serving a four-month suspension that threatened his participation in the World Cup. Bresciano was on Wednesday named one of the squad's vice-captains along with Tim Cahill, with Mile Jedinak was appointed captain by coach Ange Postecoglou.

It marked a stunning turnaround for Bresciano, whose prospects of a third straight World Cup appearance were compromised by the suspension.

World governing body FIFA late last year suspended Bresciano after ruling his transfer from from Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates to Qatari club Al Gharafa was illegal.

He was initially concerned that missing so much football close to the Cup might hurt his chances of selection.

The Socceroos’ leadership group.

“I'd like to thank the coach for this opportunity to still be part of the team and be one of the leaders of the team,” Bresciano said on Wednesday.

Bresciano, 34, has played four league games and also made some appearances in cup competitions since completing the ban in mid-April.

“I've got my match fitness back, so I'm in good condition,” Bresciano said.

He still wasn't sure what role Postecoglou had in mind for him, though his vast experience and playmaking skills could make him a contender for the influential No.10 position.

“It's a position I've played many years in my career,” Bresciano said.

“But I think it just comes down to the coach, what he's going to decide what combination he will play and what players will play in those positions.”

Originally published as Socceroos midfield stalwart Marco Bresciano has declared himself match fit after four-month ban