Troisi: 'It's a new era for the Socceroos'

While there is an opportunity for a spot in the Socceroos, there is also plenty of competition. With Kennedy, McDonald, Kruse, Rukavytsya, Leckie...
We need good players and you want to play with good players. There is plenty of competition and that keeps everyone on their toes. There is no chance of getting comfortable in the team as there are others vying for your spot.

You got your first Socceroos’ goal from the spot against New Zealand in June – how was that?
It was great to be back home and scoring in front of my family and friends. Overall it was just great being back playing for the Socceroos and being given an opportunity.

We also did not recognise you at first – what happened to the long locks?!
When I got to Turkey it was really hot! When I was in England it was never sunny and always raining and cold. When I got to Turkey my hair was really long so I needed a bit of a change.

Has it helped your play at all? Are you now more aerodynamic?!
[Laughs] Not really! I did not mind the long hair so it might come back one day, but for now I will keep it short!   

We have discovered our group for World Cup qualification. What do you make of taking on Oman, Saudi Arabia and Thailand?
It is always difficult with these games, with the conditions and the travel. On paper we have the better players, but there are other factors which make it more difficult. We will see how it goes, but if we take it seriously I am confident.

It is a lengthy World Cup qualification process coming up, how will your club react to the travel you will need to do?
I have not spoken to them about it yet. It all comes under FIFA dates, but we will have to see how it goes. They might get a little bit funny, but I will take it as it comes. Our coach [Shota Arveladze] was an international player, so he will understand.

Is your future long-term in Turkey?
You are always striving for bigger and better things and to go as high as you can. I still have two years left on my deal here, but football is crazy and you never know what will happen. The most important thing for me is that I’m back playing.

As for the Brazil 2014 World Cup – how much does that cross your mind? How much does that work as a motivation?
It is a nice feeling, but I need to concentrate on staying fit and playing. If I can do that I give myself a chance of being involved with the nationalteam. If I get my opportunity, then I have to take it.  

James Troisi is wearing a Nike Windrunner RRP $100 and Nike Air Max 90 trainers RRP $180. For Nike stockist information, ring 1300 656 453.

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

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