Aaron can handle the pressure of club and country FORMER KEEPER SCHWARZER RECKONS IT IS VITAL MIDFIELDER STAYS FIT FOR TOWN AND AUSTRALIA

the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Manchester United last weekend.

“He’s done really well,” said exSocceroos stopper Schwarzer.

“The step-up to the Premier League is huge and he’s got the added factor or travelling all over the world with the Australian national team at such a crucial time.

“There were always high hopes for him when he was in the A-League before Manchester City signed him.

“Huddersfield Town obviously got a chance to see him in the Championship last season and he was instrumental in their Premier League promotion.

“He’s a very good player, a very clever player – technically a very gifted player with a great knowledge of the game.

“His reading of it is probably one of his biggest strengths.”

Internationally, Mooy is just as crucial for Australia as the nation bids to seal a fourth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.

Standing in their way is a gruelling two-legged play-off against Honduras in San Pedro Sula (November 10) and Sydney (November 15) to book a place in Russia next summer.

It’s something Schwarzer acknowledges is likely to be tough on the player but believes it is nothing he can’t handle.

“Certainly it’s going to take it’s toll – not only does he have the hustle and bustle of the league but travelling away with the national team as well,” Schwarzer said.

“Aaron Mooy is the main man for Australia – he didn’t start the last game against Syria which was a huge surprise for all of us but the minute he came on he had an impact.

“He took hold of the reigns and everything Australia creates going forward goes through Aaron and the players look to him to be a leader on the pitch.