Midfielder Vinnie Grella has warned that complacency and lack of preparation are the factors that Australia needs to avoid to ensure Asian Cup success. Having arrived from Italy, Grella conceded he is not familiar with every side in the tournament but says the Socceroos cannot afford to underestimate any opponent.

“I think everyone has to keep their feet nice and firmly on the ground,” he says. “[We need to] just go one step at a time and consider every opposition as tough opposition.”

After an injury-disrupted season at Parma in Serie A, Grella is now injury-free and well-rested after a break in the Seychelles. Having played in tournaments for national youth sides in the region, Grella is well aware of the tough conditions that lay ahead.

“The climate is very, very awkward to play in here and I don’t think it’s going to be easy for us. It’s very hot, very humid.

“Everyone’s trying their best to put up with the heat and keep up the intensity. We need to put the yards in this week, ten days and then sharpen up just before the tournament.

“Obviously the Asian countries have the advantage of living in this climate and being in season so they might be a little bit physically better than us. As the tournament builds though we should be okay… all our players have played at a top level.”

Graham Arnold is waiting on just a few more arrivals but has already ramped up team training with both morning and afternoon sessions. Arnold has not yet addressed the group on who will captain the team but it’s believed Mark Viduka remains favourite over Grella and Lucas Neill for the honour.

“I haven’t talked to him [Arnold] about it yet and he hasn’t mentioned anything but I think he knows I’m going to be doing my stuff whether I’m captain or not captain. Whoever takes the job will be honoured but we’ve got a lot of leaders in the team. I think the most important thing is that everyone uses their experience and their strong personalities for the best of the team.”