Milicevic Happy To Be Back In Socceroos Squ

When defender Ljubo Milicevic turned down the chance to be involved in the last Socceroos camp that included a match against Jamaica, many, including perhaps Ljubo himself, thought his chances of playing any part in the World Cup qualifying play-off had vanished.

When defender Ljubo Milicevic turned down the chance to be involved in the last Socceroos camp that included a match against Jamaica, many, including perhaps Ljubo himself, thought his chances of playing any part in the World Cup qualifying play-off had vanished.

However Milicevic (pictured right) received good news this morning when he was named in Guus Hiddink-s 23-man squad for the upcoming Powerade Series games against Uruguay that will ultimately decide who will play at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. 

“I wouldn-t say I expected it,” Milicevic replied when asked if he expected to get back into the squad. “But I am definitely delighted to be back in the squad.

“I spoke to Arnie (assistant coach Graham Arnold) prior to the Jamaica game and it was a bit difficult regarding my decision to come back for my brother-s wedding. However I am delighted to be back and to try and help the team get to the World Cup.”

Some questioned his commitment to the World Cup cause for attending his brother-s wedding, where he was best man, but rejected the suggestion his national team career was jeopardised.

“I don-t think so,” he replied when asked if he jeopardised his national team career. “It-s not as if I was choosing not to play for my country because I was staying and playing for my club.

“I have always been there for my national team, I have never said no and I have suffered major injuries playing for Australia, so if someone ever questions my commitment or my desire to play for my country then their obviously barking up the wrong tree.”

Milicevic-s recall was made easier with Craig Moore-s hamstring injury ruling him out of the two games early next month, although Milicevic believes Moore-s absence is a massive loss.

“It-s devastating for Craig and also for us that he is not part of the team and that he is injured. He is a great leader and it a shame that he has done his hamstring again.

“But there is a chance that I can come in and hopefully I can do myself justice and help the team get to the World Cup.”

There is no doubt that Milicevic-s appearances in the European Champions League with his Swiss club FC Thun have helped in his recall, especially with a number of defensive players under injury clouds. Milicevic has played full games in each of the three Champions League games, which he described as a fantastic experience.

“I guess playing in the Champions League has helped me get back into the squad.

“It-s a great experience, there-s no better competition than playing in the Champions League. Playing at Arsenal and Ajax and also at home against Sparta already has been great.

“You just realise the different level of football it brings in terms of prestige. It has brought me along quite a bit and it-s a great experience playing in front of big crowds in foreign countries.”

Milicevic will be doing all he can to now win a place in the starting eleven, with two crucial league games in Switzerland, plus a home game in the Champions League against Ajax, before going into the camp in Buenos Aires.    Qantas Socceroo squad