EXCLUSIVE: Sydney FC marquee striker John Aloisi has his sights set on the Socceroos' first World Cup qualifier in September for a potential comeback to the national team.
Speaking after last night's 0-0 draw between Sydney FC and Blacktown Demons, the 2006 Socceroo World Cup hero is close to full fitness, but was not risked in last night's match.
"Everything's exciting at the moment. New club, start of a new season which I'm excited about and being involved with the Socceroos is great too and hopefully I'll be there when we qualify for the World Cup," he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the game.
Aloisi last played for Australia in February, coming on as a late substitute in the 3-0 win at Telstra Dome in Melbourne. And this Aussie sporting icon is itching to get back in the green and gold.
But will he be there when the Socceroos begin their final round of qualifiers in September?
"I'm pretty sure I will be," he said. "I'll be fully fit for the start of the season with Sydney. If I'm performing and doing well hopefully I'll be in the national team."
Quizzed on Pim Verbeek's so-called "Babyroos" policy against China on the weekend and the 32-year-old was diplomatic.
"That's not for me to say," he said. "We didn't get a great result and we didn't play that well but in saying that next time they get a chance again, they'll do better."
Aloisi's last competitive game was in the A-League Grand Final in February playing for Central Coast in their 1-0 loss to the Jets.
He added: "The last couple of weeks I've been training with the ball and playing games in training.
"I'm not quite ready to join in trial games like tonight, that's a couple of weeks off."
"Everything's exciting at the moment. New club, start of a new season which I'm excited about and being involved with the Socceroos is great too and hopefully I'll be there when we qualify for the World Cup," he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the game.
Aloisi last played for Australia in February, coming on as a late substitute in the 3-0 win at Telstra Dome in Melbourne. And this Aussie sporting icon is itching to get back in the green and gold.
But will he be there when the Socceroos begin their final round of qualifiers in September?
"I'm pretty sure I will be," he said. "I'll be fully fit for the start of the season with Sydney. If I'm performing and doing well hopefully I'll be in the national team."
Quizzed on Pim Verbeek's so-called "Babyroos" policy against China on the weekend and the 32-year-old was diplomatic.
"That's not for me to say," he said. "We didn't get a great result and we didn't play that well but in saying that next time they get a chance again, they'll do better."
Aloisi's last competitive game was in the A-League Grand Final in February playing for Central Coast in their 1-0 loss to the Jets.
He added: "The last couple of weeks I've been training with the ball and playing games in training.
"I'm not quite ready to join in trial games like tonight, that's a couple of weeks off."
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