Socceroos striker Mile Sterjovski is still unsure where he will be playing in the lead-up to the World Cup, but won’t be fussy when selecting his loan club in January.
Sterjovski is Perth Glory’s marquee signing, but has been granted permission, along with Jacob Burns and Chris Coyne, to seek a loan overseas to ensure he is playing right up until the World Cup in a bid to improve his chances of selection.
The transfer window opens in January and so far Sterjovski or his manager haven’t found a new home for him, but he won’t be picky on his choices once some come in.
If they don’t, he will happily stay with the Glory as they look to qualify for the A-League finals for the first time and then try his luck on still being selected by Australian coach Pim Verbeek.
“I’ve got my agent looking at certain possibilities, but nothing has come up yet,” Sterjovski said.
“It’s not going to be as easy as people think to get a loan move out.
“If it works out then it’s great for my World Cup chances, but if it doesn’t I’m happy to finish the season with Perth Glory.
“It’s a general approach right now. The important thing is playing right up until May and getting to a club where I have a chance to be playing right up to the World Cup.
“That’s the most important thing, I can’t get picky about where I go really.
“I’ve committed to Perth Glory and if it happens that nothing comes up I would love to stay here.
“If I did, then I would worry about what happens afterwards with the World Cup when it comes.”
As for the World Cup draw that sees Australia pooled with Germany, Serbia and Ghana, Sterjovski knows it won’t be easy to advance, but is glad Germany is first up so the Socceroos know exactly how they measure up.
He will also take fond memories with him into the clash with Ghana after scoring the winner against them in the 1-0 friendly victory in May.
“It’s a difficult draw, but it could have been even more difficult. We respect each team and in a way it’s going to be difficult and we will be underdogs, which might suit us better,” Sterjovski said.
“Germany is always going to a great team and to play them first up will be a huge test.
“It will give us a good indication of where we are at and hopefully if we get a result there, we can push on from that.
“That was a good win against Ghana, but when you look at it, it was only a friendly match and they didn’t have their full strength team in. I’m sure it will be different in the World Cup.”
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