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Socceroos defender Rhys Williams says he’s still haunted by the injury that crushed his World Cup dream. Williams has returned to the Australian squad after an injury-cursed 11 months.
The Middlesbrough defender said he had not recovered from the mental scar of missing last year’s World Cup with a groin injury.
“I am still not over it, to be honest,” Williams told reporters on Wednesday in Adelaide.
“To miss such a big competition, when I feel like I could have been included, is something that is really hard to take.
“And it’s going to be a while before I get over it, maybe.
“If I am good enough and if I’m playing regular to get to the next one, maybe that will erase the memories.
“It is hard for a young lad to get over it and now I’m just happy to be back playing and looking forward to putting on the green and gold again.”
Williams returns to the Socceroos squad for Sunday’s friendly against New Zealand in Adelaide and Tuesday’s match against Serbia in Melbourne.
The former Welsh under-21 representative said while his groin had healed, the injury remained on his mind.
“I have always got the thought in the back of my head that the injury will come back,” he said.
“So it’s something I have got to work on and I do get nervous sometimes when I feel a pinch here and there.
“But at the end of the day, I just want to play football and be happy.
“I feel like this is the best I have ever felt. I had an 11-month break and I have come back and I feel ready mentally and physically.”
Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar striker Kosta Barbarouses’ chances of playing for NZ against Australia have risen with his inclusion in the All Whites’ side to take on Mexico on Thursday.
NZ coach Ricki Herbet is grappling with an injury-hit squad ahead of the All Whites’ friendlies.
“The group is quite depleted, it’s probably the most difficult position we’ve been in terms of players missing,” Herbert said.
“The priority is to give these players exposure at this level and they are going to get it.”
The All Whites don’t arrive in Adelaide until Saturday.
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