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World Cup 2010: I Want To Push For Socceroos Spot - Wellington Phoenix's Andrew Durante
Could this be the big moment the former Jet has been waiting for?
| Bet: | Returns: | Wellington Phoenix £25.00 | Draw £32.00 | Brisbane Roar £25.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Wellington Phoenix £26.20 | Draw £32.50 | Brisbane Roar £24.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Wellington Phoenix £27.00 | Draw £34.00 | Brisbane Roar £25.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Wellington Phoenix £25.50 | Draw £32.00 | Brisbane Roar £25.00 |
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Feb 17, 2010 5:37:00 AM
Wellington Phoenix defender Andrew Durante says he is ready to push for a place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, after being called up to the Socceroos squad to face Indonesia in an Asian Cup Qualifier on March 3.
Phoenix central defenders Durante and Jon McKain have been rewarded for a stellar A-League season, having played pivotal roles in the Phoenix’s charge into the playoffs.
Durante, 27, is yet to make his full senior international debut, although he has previously been part of Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek’s World Cup training squad. McKain, 28, is in line to add to his 12 senior international appearances for Australia, his last in 2006.
Durante said the call-up to the 25-man squad was a huge honour.
“I’m rapt – very, very pleased. Every footballer wants to play for their country and to have this chance is fantastic."
The shot at being part of the Socceroos squad for this year’s World Cup finals in South Africa was a massive bonus, especially given that Durante had previously been part of the Australian training squad for the world’s biggest sporting event.
“I’ve been part of a training camp before so I know what to expect. That means I’ll probably be a little more relaxed and be able to push my chances for South Africa.”
Durante said he never lost his ambition to play senior representative football.
“I’ve simply focused on playing well for the Phoenix each week and it’s nice to be rewarded. When I came to Wellington people said my international chances would be dead and buried. I’ve never believed that, I never saw joining the Phoenix as a disadvantage and this is proof of that.”
There is a good chance Durante will play alongside his mate, McKain, against Indonesia. Both players have been dynamic for the Phoenix and form perhaps the best central defensive pairing in the A-League.
“It’d be fantastic if Jonny and I got to play together,” said Durante. “We’re very comfortable in our partnership and I’m glad we’ve both been rewarded for a good season.”
McKain said his selection came as a surprise despite his good form for the Phoenix.
“I’ve been concentrating on playing well for the Phoenix, so this is a bonus. I’ve worked on getting back into the starting XI and the whole team’s on a good run. For the first time since I’ve been in Wellington I’m completely injury-free, there are no little niggles, and I’m playing in my preferred position.”
Like Durante, McKain said selection to the international squad was proof that playing for the Phoenix was no barrier to higher honours.
“We’re playing well and people are taking notice. I think it’s a big statement to the league. Even us so-called ‘Aussie rejects’ are getting attention.”
Get all the Australian football coverage you need on the Goal.com Australia homepage!
Phoenix central defenders Durante and Jon McKain have been rewarded for a stellar A-League season, having played pivotal roles in the Phoenix’s charge into the playoffs.
Durante, 27, is yet to make his full senior international debut, although he has previously been part of Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek’s World Cup training squad. McKain, 28, is in line to add to his 12 senior international appearances for Australia, his last in 2006.
Durante said the call-up to the 25-man squad was a huge honour.
“I’m rapt – very, very pleased. Every footballer wants to play for their country and to have this chance is fantastic."
The shot at being part of the Socceroos squad for this year’s World Cup finals in South Africa was a massive bonus, especially given that Durante had previously been part of the Australian training squad for the world’s biggest sporting event.
“I’ve been part of a training camp before so I know what to expect. That means I’ll probably be a little more relaxed and be able to push my chances for South Africa.”
Durante said he never lost his ambition to play senior representative football.
“I’ve simply focused on playing well for the Phoenix each week and it’s nice to be rewarded. When I came to Wellington people said my international chances would be dead and buried. I’ve never believed that, I never saw joining the Phoenix as a disadvantage and this is proof of that.”
There is a good chance Durante will play alongside his mate, McKain, against Indonesia. Both players have been dynamic for the Phoenix and form perhaps the best central defensive pairing in the A-League.
“It’d be fantastic if Jonny and I got to play together,” said Durante. “We’re very comfortable in our partnership and I’m glad we’ve both been rewarded for a good season.”
McKain said his selection came as a surprise despite his good form for the Phoenix.
“I’ve been concentrating on playing well for the Phoenix, so this is a bonus. I’ve worked on getting back into the starting XI and the whole team’s on a good run. For the first time since I’ve been in Wellington I’m completely injury-free, there are no little niggles, and I’m playing in my preferred position.”
Like Durante, McKain said selection to the international squad was proof that playing for the Phoenix was no barrier to higher honours.
“We’re playing well and people are taking notice. I think it’s a big statement to the league. Even us so-called ‘Aussie rejects’ are getting attention.”
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