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Socceroo Mark Bresciano has dismissed the idea that younger players lack the passion to wear the green and gold but says ideally Australia will take a mix of youth and experience to the 2014 World Cup.
The 33-year-old, speaking after Australia beat Canada 3-0 in London, said with a new coach soon to be appointed “no-one should be a first choice pick”.
Captain Lucas Neill has come under fire for suggesting the next generation of players are lacking hunger and desire.
Bresciano for one begs to differ.
“You can say a lot of things but I don’t think anyone comes here and doesn’t have that desire to play for the national team,” he told reporters at Craven Cottage.
“Everyone wants to play for the national team. It’s a dream for any footballer especially going to a World Cup.
“We are a team in transition with the younger boys coming in and they had a great performance tonight.”
When a new coach was appointed to replace the sacked Holger Osieck every player should start on the same level, Bresciano said on Tuesday.
“No-one should be a first choice pick. Everyone should be on the same level and everyone should have a chance and the coach who comes in should just play the best team available for him.”
The Al-Gharafa player said heading into Brazil the Socceroos needed a balanced side.
“If we can get that right combination I think it will be better but I guess we do have to look at the future,” he said.
“Some of the young boys should step up and have a chance. If they prove themselves right they stay in the team.”
Up-and-coming striker Mathew Leckie scored one of Australia’s three goals at Craven Cottage in front of 4000 fans.
He insisted the younger players who came on in the second half weren’t out of place.
“We got on the ball and tried to create things,” the 22-year-old said.
“I don’t think the chances stopped when we came on – there were just as many chances.”
Young guns Olivier Bozanic and Jackson Irvine were handed debuts off the bench in the second half while Mat Ryan was given 45 minutes in goal.
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