Mathew Leckie says Socceroos should make most of unknown factor to spring surprises in Brazil

MATHEW Leckie wants the Socceroos to make the most of their unknown factor and spring a few surprises in Brazil.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Matthew Leckie kicks the ball during an Australian Socceroos training session at Central Coast Stadium on May 21, 2014 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

MATHEW Leckie wants the Socceroos to make the most of their unknown factor and spring a few surprises in Brazil.

The Socceroos winger is a good chance of making Ange Postecoglou’s final 23-man squad after featuring in Australia’s previous two friendly matches against Costa Rica and Ecuador.

But the 23-year-old, who has just signed with German club FC Ingolstadt, is under no illusions about what awaits the Socceroos in Brazil.

“We all know it’s going to be tough, we’re not kidding ourselves, but we’re going to give it our all,” Leckie said.

“At times it can be an advantage for us that they don’t really know many of us, so maybe we can go over there and surprise a few with them not knowing how we play.”

Before moving to Ingolstadt, Leckie spent three seasons at FSV Frankfurt.

He says he has grown as a footballer during his time in Germany and feels he is in a good position to start in Monday’s friendly farewell match against South Africa.

“Tactically I’ve learned a lot and the football is a lot quicker and smarter,” Leckie said.

“No one knows exactly how we’re going to start against South Africa on Monday, but I’ve been training hard so if I get that position in the first XI I’ll give it my all.

Matthew Leckie during Socceroos training at Gosford. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“I think South Africa is a tough opponent also and we want to get the right result there — playing in Australia as a farewell.

“It would be good for the fans and also for us to build on what we want to achieve and I think we’re all looking forward to Monday.”

With three players facing the axe after Monday’s game, Leckie admits the intensity at training has gone up a notch.

It’s a challenge, but Leckie says it has only made the players push each other harder to get the best out of each other.

“We all know there’s going to be a cut down at some stage, so we’re giving it our all, but we’re also working together,” he said.

“It’s a mixture of working hard for yourself, but also working hard for the team to understand what Ange wants.

“The energy was there today and I think it’s getting better day by day. We’re taking each training session like it could be the last to get the best out of each other.

“We’re all working hard, challenging each other and challenging ourselves.”

Originally published as Mathew Leckie says Socceroos should make most of unknown factor to spring surprises in Brazil