Robert Cornthwaite has expressed his delight at earning a second shot at international honours with the Qantas Socceroos.
Robert Cornthwaite has expressed his delight at earning a second shot at international honours with the Qantas Socceroos.
A regular contributor at Korean club Chunnam Dragons, Cornthwaite-s call up, though belated, was earned on merit as a result of consistent K-League showings over the past two seasons.
While the late withdrawals of Matt McKay, Adam Sarota and Luke Wilkshire due to injury ultimately opened the door for Cornthwaite-s inclusion in Hwaseong, the versatile defender is keen to make the most of his unexpected opportunity, after his debut for the Qantas Socceroos in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier back in March 2009
“It-s a great feeling to get called up for your national team,” Cornthwaite said.
“I had a game on Sunday which Viddie (Qantas Socceroos Assistant Coach, Aurelio Vidmar) came and watched, we had a chat after the game and then went back to my house and got a call from Gary (Qantas Socceroos Team Manager, Gary Moretti) at about four in the afternoon.
“I feel like I-ve got something to offer to the team, so I-m looking forward to hopefully getting a bit of game time and showing what I can do.”
Of the plethora of Australians currently plying their trade in the K-League, only Eddy Bosnar of the Suwon Bluewings has made more appearances than Cornthwaite this campaign.
While Cornthwaite-s Dragons have endured a tough end to the local season in the K-League-s ‘Relegation Round-, the 27-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers at the Gwangyang Stadium.
Despite typically featuring at the back, Cornthwaite has netted three goals this season, including a strike against Bosnar-s Bluewings in June.
Throughout his second K-League season, Cornthwaite has gained a tremendous insight into Korean football and is well aware of the threat posed by the Korea Republic-s largely home-based squad tomorrow night.
“They (Korea Republic) play a very physical style, they-re all very fast and very strong players,” Cornthwaite said.
“They work extremely hard on and off the pitch, so I-m expecting a very difficult game.
“They-ve gone with a lot of young, fresh players so they-ll all be keen and eager to make an impression, it should be a good battle.”
The Qantas Socceroos will meet the challenge of fellow Asian heavyweights the Korea Republic at the Hwaseong Stadium on Wednesday, 14 November. Kick off is at 7pm local time (Kick off 9pm AEDT).
The Qantas Socceroos return to Australia in 2013, for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia at 7.30pm, Tuesday, 26 March, followed by Iraq, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 18 June.
Tickets for both matches at Stadium Australia are on sale now through Ticketek or via phone, 132 849.