Socceroos start camp

Training begins in UAE for Asian Cup

FOOTBALL: The Socceroos have begun their training camp in the United Arab Emirates as they prepare to defend their Asian Cup crown next month.

Thirteen players turned up to the first session yesterday with more due to arrive in camp today and tomorrow.

Recently recalled Perth Glory attacker Chris Ikonomidis was one of the first to arrive in camp.

“It (selection) was something that I have been working towards for months now, it’s something that I have planned,” Ikonomidis said.

“It’s always been a little goal in the back of my mind every day when I was doing the little things, preparing for training, preparing my diet … to get that good news and that reward from hard work is fantastic.

“When they (Ikonomidis’s Perth Glory colleagues) found out the news they were ecstatic. I think every single player came up and congratulated me.

“There are a lot of Socceroos in the squad like (Matthew) Spiranovic, (Ivan) Franjic, Jason Davidson, and many others, so they were all very happy for me. The boss, Tony Popovic, also called me into his office just to say congratulations.

“I’d love to get on the pitch and show Australia and Asia what I can do and to bring something new to the team, something dynamic.”

The Socceroos will warm up for the Asian Cup with a friendly against Oman on Sunday. Coach Graham Arnold is looking forward to the clash and going head-to-head with former Australia mentor Pim Verbeek.

“With limited days to prepare for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, Sunday’s match against Oman represents a great opportunity for us to refresh some of the principles that we worked on during our September, October, and November camps,” Arnold said.

“Importantly, the game against Oman will serve as a great chance to provide players that haven’t played as regularly with their clubs match minutes against a strong west Asian nation.

“It will also be nice to see Pim again. We shared many great memories with the Socceroos and he has done a fantastic job with Oman. We are expecting a tough match but also a game played in a great spirit as both nations prepare for the tournament proper.”

Australia will play 109th ranked Jordan in their opening Asian Cup Group B match on January 6. — AAP