Beauchamp keen to make an impact
Michael Beauchamp is one of the least known players within the 23-man Socceroos squad bound for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, but he has had no problems gelling with the big named stars since coming into the camp last Sunday.
Michael Beauchamp is one of the least known players within the 23-man Socceroos squad bound for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, but he has had no problems gelling with the big named stars since coming into the camp last Sunday.
Beauchamp, along with Sydney FC-s Mark Milligan and Dynamo Dresden striker Joshua Kennedy, were the bolters in the pack and while pundits are not expecting all three to get much game time, the Central Coast Mariners central defender will do all he can, within reason, to show he is worthy of his place in the squad.
"It-s been fantastic so far," said Beauchamp when asked about how the first few days of the camp had gone. "All the boys have been very welcoming since we got here and just looking forward to the whole experience.
"They (the experienced players) are very down to earth, even though they all play at the highest levels of the game. These guys play at the highest levels week in, week out in Europe and it's just fantastic to be here amongst them all.
“That-s what it-s all about.”
As one of two Hyundai A-League players in the squad that completed the season in March, Beauchamp acknowledged that his fitness is a little behind some of the others, but feels he is coping okay so far.
"Not too bad to be honest," he said shortly after a good session in the morning.
"I was breathing a little bit, but before I came in here Anthony Crea spoke to our trainer back at the Mariners Andrew Clark, and he sort of got me up to a bit more speed. Since then Millsy (Mark Milligan and myself) have come in a little bit early, and so I-m not feeling too bad."
Beauchamp understands that he was selected as a back-up player in Australia's World Cup squad but says he is ready to answer the call to arms should the need arise.
"At the end of the day that-s up to Guus Hiddink," answered Beauchamp.
"We are just here to train; try and do our best and leave the rest up to him."
The powerful defender also believes that Australia will not be there just to make up the numbers in their group and says nobody should underestimate this Australian team.
"We are not going there to have a picnic, we have a great side here," Beauchamp said.
"I think all the other sides in our group should be worried about us.
"We-ll just take each game as it comes and just don-t be surprised when we get through."