New Perth Glory recruits Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns believe their switch from Europe to the A-League will enhance their chances of being part of the Socceroos’ set-up for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
While Socceroos head coach Pim Verbeek has in the past urged players to remain in the stronger leagues of Europe, Burns and Sterjovski are confident the chance of regular game time in Australia combined with weekly exposure will play heavily in their favour.
Sterjovski struggled for game time at English club Derby County last season, while Burns felt he lacked exposure playing for Romanian side Unirea Urzicini.
“Personally I wasn’t playing enough games overseas, so to come back here and be playing regular football is an important thing for me and I can see it only as a positive thing,” Sterjovski said on Monday.
“If you look at players like myself, Jacob Burns and Jason Culina, we all know what it takes to make the national team.
“It’s up to us to keep working hard and playing good football, that’s going to determine whether we make the Socceroos or not.”
Burns, a fringe Socceroo, still had a year left on his contract with Unirea Urzicini.
But the 31-year-old former Leeds United midfielder felt his chances of Socceroos selection would have been jeopardised had he remained in Romania.
“It (Romania) is a hard place to get to watch games, to send the assistant and people over,” Burns said.
“They (the Socceroos) did do it a couple of times, but it’s not like in the English Premier League where there’s games on TV every week.
“It’s a little bit harder for the players in the eastern parts of Europe or out of the top three or four big leagues.
“He (Verbeek) has always picked his team based on how players are playing. Being fit is the main point.
“Guys can be in any league at any of the top clubs, but if they’re playing for the reserves or not getting any game time then he doesn’t play them.
“So I think it’s really important you are playing week in, week out where he can see you.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to show what you’ve got, show you’re in form.”
But while Sterjovski and Burns will enjoy plenty of exposure, the pair admitted Perth must turn around their on-field fortunes in order for them to stay in the Socceroos mix.
“I think it is hand in hand,” Sterjovski said.
“I really want the team to be successful. I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think the team would be successful.
“I’m very determined to be successful here and I’m hoping the team will also do really well and finish in the finals.”
Sterjovski and Burns will feature in Friday night’s clash with English Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers at Members Equity Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Glory expect to hear by Tuesday whether they have been successful in luring Socceroos defender Chris Coyne to the club on a three-year deal.
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