Leckie says he’s fit for decider

SOCCEROOS star Mathew Leckie has declared his strained hamstring is right to go for Wednesday’s Russia 2018 decider against Honduras.

Leckie revealed that he was close to playing for Hertha Berlin last week but he and coach Pal Dardai opted to err on the side of caution ahead of the FIFA international break.

Having already clocked up 850 Hertha Berlin minutes in 11 games – including four goals – this season plus four gruelling Socceroos outings, Leckie said he was still sharp.

“I feel really good. I was pretty good before leaving my club. I probably could’ve made the squad for (last) weekend but we just decided there was no point risking it,’’ Leckie said. “Bit of a setback, because I haven’t been able to play but it’s two weeks. I don’t think I’ve lost too much fitness. I’ll be good to go.

“Up until the injury I’d played in all the league games. So I got an extra 10 days (to recover) now.

“My coach pretty much said don’t risk it; I didn’t get much of a break after Confederations Cup, I had 10 days off. The club said in hindsight they probably would’ve given me a bit more time off.

“It’s a good set-up at Hertha; they manage me pretty well. I’ve missed a few Europa League games to recover for the league.”

A running machine, Leckie – who started upfront in Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos debut four years ago and has played four different roles since – is likely to resume his wing role on Wednesday.