The Blackburn winger believes excitement levels would match, if not exceed those generated by the Sydney Olympics in 2000.  

"I think Australia in terms of stadiums and obviously the organisation, I can't think of too many better countries to host the World Cup,'' Emerton told the FFA's official bid website. "We had the Olympics in 2000, which ran so smoothly. It was a great success and I can't see why the World Cup would be any different.  

"Obviously leading up to the Olympics we had a few functions to attend, and as captain I probably attended a few more then the other players and it was perfect, I had no complaints at all."

Emerton said the Olympics had run like clockwork and his only disappointment was the Olyroos early exit from the football tournament.

"Qualifying for the last World Cup, you saw how the Australian people reacted  there would be tremendous interest in a World Cup at home," said Emerton.

Emerton is close to a return to action after a lengthy spell out with injury and believes the time spent back in Oz played a big part in his recovery.

"I had the operation done and spent some time after that working with Phil Coles, the Socceroos physio, and Darren Burgess (the strength and conditioning coach) on my rehab.  

"It was fantastic because I got to spend some time with family and friends, which mentally helped me a lot in my recovery."

Football may be Emerton's pain passion but cricket has been the talk of the Ewood Park dressing room in the last few weeks.

He added: "I got hammered after we lost the fifth Test, I copped a lot of stick from the English boys,'' he admitted.  

"Even (Kiwi) Ryan Nelson got in on the act. He's a massive cricket fan and I think he kept changing his mind, he wasn't sure who he wanted to win.  

"I had a few bets on the game and I had to pay up.''  

Show your support for Australia's World Cup at www. australia2018-2022.com.au.