What did you think of the performance against Uruguay?
I thought it was awesome. The first half when we went 1-0 up early with Mile’s goal… I really loved the style of football we were playing. When I’ve in action, they’re looking quite experienced because a few of them are playing in Europe. I was really impressed actually; and excited about the prospects.

The weather is pretty crazy today…
I don’t mind it – we’re still inside! I love indoor soccer anyway and I’ve had a real buzz playing with the kids in here today. And we haven’t had to run too far to get the ball so it’s been good! Everyone’s enjoyed themselves. Anyway, I’m used to this kind of weather!

What do you want to achieve by the end of your career?
I just want to... score goals and win something! Not just domestically, but with the national team. We’ve got a massive chance of winning some silverware in this competition. Also just building a foundation for the kids in Australia. I’ve got kids of my own and I can come back here and relax and play football with my kids and other people’s kids. I want to enjoy the game and raise its profile.

What's changed most about Australia since you lived here?
Everything’s still the same, it’s brilliant. The weather’s brilliant, the people, it’s fantastic. I think the football has really lifted. It’s not so much the kids, it’s the parents. It’s always been the biggest sport for kids and I know a lot more people have taken notice and appreciate it now.

How much better can you get?
I don’t know, but I definitely want to go up every year. Everyday I learn something. If I was a seven out of ten [for example], I’d push hard to be a seven and three-quarters, or an eight.

I bet if you asked the people here today whether they learnt something, they’d all be able to say that they had. It was really good to see them play football and be really involved. Everyone was hot and sweating it up, and they’d come and tell me how hard they were working. I said, “well, when I went to soccer camps as a kid we used to just do little drills and not touch too much of the ball”. I just wanted them all to be able to enjoy it.

What areas do you want to improve on though?
Everything, everything. People say that I’m great in the air but I still want to work on being even better. Every player can always be better at every aspect of the game. I’ve got loads of things that I want to work on but just getting fit is the main thing at the moment.

What about Graham Arnold and his job? Frank Lowy has said that he may still get replaced after the Asian Cup. What do you think about it all?
Well, I think we’ll talk about it after! If we win the Asian Cup there might be a different tune being played by Frank Lowy. At the moment, you can see what Arnie has done with the young core of players and who he’s brought in. Because he’s here, he’s Australian, he knows the players, he knows what they’re doing, he can spend time with them, he can talk to them… we’re on the end of the phone and he asks us for advice. I’ve never had that with any other manager in Australia. Nor has Lucas, nor has Dukes.

It’s good to see Nicky Carle coming in, Scotty McDonald from Celtic, Matty Spiranovic, Carl Valeri… players who Australians really don’t get to hear enough about.

That’s what Arnie’s doing. He brought in Carney the other week. It’s great experience for these kids because they need to understand that if they get called upon then they’re going to need this experience to kick on another level.

Where will Everton finish in the Premiership next season?
Who knows… we finished sixth and that’s fantastic. I’ve had a good run since I’ve been at Everton and it’s been really good. We did well in the Champions League, it’s been amazing. For myself and the club, you want to be playing in European football. You want to be involved in all the biggest games. I just love playing football and I love being in the Premier League so it’s all exciting.

How much do you follow the player transfer market?
I hear whispers here and there but I don’t even read the papers these days. I get phone calls here and there but you know, I don’t have enough time to be reading papers and listening to speculation and things like that! It happens every year.

Any tips on where Dukes will end up?
I wouldn’t have a clue mate! He could go anywhere. Dukes is one of the best players I’ve ever played with and I’m so proud to be in the same national team as him. Dukes is a weapon and he showed what he can do in the past season. Who knows though, anyone would sign him in the drop of a heartbeat. He’s one of those players who are always sought after.