Was there a culture clash when you moved over to Denmark?
Yes, with the language. Apart from that, no. Copenhagen is a very civilised city that had more than a few things to get me excited.

Is the transition between reserve squad and first team difficult to manage?
It's a massive step. At Brondby, there's no one over the age of 20 in the reserves. Going from the reserves to playing first team football is a massive step, especially with the age difference. Experience is one of the most important things that you can get from being at a big club as a youngster. They threw me into the deep end a few times. Then pulled me out. And threw me back in there. In the end, it was a good experience and it worked out well.

You started well, so what changed?
The coaching changed and there were a few problems. Inconsistency was an issue for me as I was so young. I would have played a good game, a bad game and then maybe two bad games. You never know. I did what I could. They did love the Australian fight and the spirit of resilience that we bring with us.

At what point did you decide it was time to come home?
When I wasn't playing anymore. Brondby had a new coach and I wasn't in favour. I needed to get back to Australia and play as much regular football as I could. It was the right decision to come home. I love every day of being back in Australia and playing regular first team football at North Queensland Fury. That being said, I'm itching to head back overseas.

Why North Queensland? Why not back home to Brisbane?
There were too many distractions back in Brisbane. It wasn't a decision to come back and catch up on old times. I wanted to concentrate on my football, do what I had to do on the field and at the end of the day, get off the pitch and relax. I really do miss my friends and family but at the end of the day, I came back to Australia to play football.

Was it tough to adjust back to Australia?
It was easy. Townsville is a very relaxed and easy-going place. Coming back from a big city in Europe to what some people might call a small country town has helped me a lot. I love it here. It's been excellent because you do what you have to do on the pitch, but when you get off it's a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where you have your space. That's very important for footballers. It allows us to perform to the best of our ability both at training and on game day.

You chose to extend your deal for another two seasons. Would you encourage other young A-League players to do the same?
It's difficult. I would encourage players to sign for whatever time period suits them. If you're exploring the option at going overseas, do it. A lot of young players like to look after themselves but a lot look for security. "What if
I don't get a deal overseas or if I sign and the deal falls through?" It all goes through a footballer's mind. I'm glad I went over early and I wish I could still be over there. With that being said, I'm glad I signed for two years because I love it and I've been looked after. I looked at it as an amazing chance; it might not come again so I had to take it. 

Do you plan on heading back to Europe?
For sure. I can't wait to get back there one day. You can go through your entire career playing in the A-League but at the end of the day, it's not the world stage just yet. I want to be over there in the mix of things, living and breathing football.

Would you consider a move to Asia if the chance came up?
I would if the offer was right. I'm not one to go for money or glamour. I came to Townsville to play regular football. If I can go to Asia and play regular football then I would consider it. You always have to consider all of your options very closely.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has been spotted in the stands at Townsville. Have you had any contact with him?
Not personally, no. It's not something that I'm worried about because I'm only 22. Contact for me doesn't mean much. If I'm doing my job on the pitch then it's all that I want out of myself.

When you played against China and Indonesia, how did the level compare to the A-League?
Indonesia wasn't a higher tempo. With that being said, it was hard for me. I only had a few minutes on the field where I actually don't think I touched the ball! Being on the sidelines watching, it didn't look too different but Indonesia did have a few quick, sharp players who could cause the A-League some trouble. China was a different story. It's a different level to the A-League. With that being said, A-League teams can cause some damage in Asia too - just look at Adelaide United. However, I do want to be in the side when we face a European team!

How important to you is making the Socceroos squad?
I'd just love to be a part of the Socceroos. It's been one of my goals for a long time. The Fury is important, as that's what we do every week of the year, but the national team is also important to me. The national team can also open doors for me as well in terms of my career progression and where I want to be in the future career-wise.

This article appeared in the February 2011 issue of Australian FourFourTwo magazine. To buy back copies of this issue call 03-8317-8121 with a credit card to hand.