Thwaite straight down to business

Qantas Socceroo defender Michael Thwaite has flown into Melbourne and got right down to business on the training paddock in a bid to make a good first impression on coach Pim Verbeek.

Qantas Socceroo defender Michael Thwaite has flown into Melbourne and got right down to business on the training paddock in a bid to make a good first impression on coach Pim Verbeek.

Thwaite, whose arrival was delayed due to his transfer to Norwegian Champions Brann Bergen in the last few days, only arrived this morning, but was straight to training and getting through the wet session at Bob Jane Stadium.

He is the third overseas-based player to arrive in camp, following that of former Wisla Krakow teammate Jacob Burns and Newcastle United-s James Troisi and was happy how the session went.

“It was quite a tough session, but it was good to get a good first impression with the new head coach,” Thwaite said after training.

While it was his first session under Verbeek, the left-sided defender was impressed with his training methods.

“He-s very tactical minded and I love how he is very repetitious in his activities. For a fullback, it seems that he wants a lot of work from them, so it-s looking very positive.”

His early arrival gives him a head start of his fellow overseas-based Socceroos and with the left-sided fullback role one of the more contentious spots up for grabs, he is keen to make the most of the advantage.

“Jacob and I have got back early, so it-s going to help us. Obviously Pim Verbeek doesn-t know much about us and he really wants to see us put under pressure in training and in game situations. It gives him a better feel (for us) I think.

“The majority of my national team games has been on the left and it was the same with the 23-s and Under 20-s, which Arnie (Graham Arnold) has developed in my game. But hopefully if I get the chance, I can play most positions in the back.”

It-s set to be a big few weeks for Thwaite, with the Socceroos match, plus a UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against Tim Cahill-s Everton in the following two weeks.

Meanwhile in other news from the training camp, Ante Covic has been cleared of any serious injury after a collision with his Newcastle Jets teammate James Holland towards the end of a 11 v 11 match.

Covic left the field of his own accord straight away as a precaution, with what appears a cork to the leg, but indications are he will be okay to continue training tomorrow.