The Leicester City defender has been in fine form for his club since the start of the season, scoring in last weekend’s match against Crystal Palace.

His Asian Cup performance in the green and gold was less impressive – but Kisnorbo now feels he has been left to take the blame for Australia’s dismal display.

“My confidence is riding high again and I look back on the Asian Cup and realise that I was just a scapegoat for everything that went wrong," he told Melbourne’s Herald Sun today.

"The criticism was totally unfair . . . I looked around and thought, 'What have I done wrong to deserve this?'. But you have to take it on the chin and not let it destroy or damage you."

He added: "It did affect my confidence and belief a bit.

"But it's like the old saying, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger', and that's how I'm feeling right now.

“Some people like to kick you when you're down, and it's just given me extra motivation to show what I'm about as a player."

He says the whole Australia squad failed to rise to the occasion in the tropical heat, leading to their quarter-finals exit to Japan.

Now he wants to prove the barrackers wrong with a place in the side taking on Argentina next month.

"The truth is the team as a whole didn't play to their potential. It wasn't down to one individual playing badly,” he told the newspaper.

"I've put it behind me now, and if I get selected for the Argentina game, I'll be coming home to prove a few people wrong. I'm definitely available for the match; it's during an international break, and I'd love to return to my home town and play a class side like Argentina."

He faces a battle for his place in the Australian backline with Sydney FC’s Mark Milligan and former Mariner, now Nurnberg star, Michael Beauchamp who were impressive in defence.

But Kisnorbo has the full backing of his club boss, Martin Allen. He had glowing praise for the young Aussie after their match against Crystal Palace.

"Patrick is the sort of player you'd want in the trenches alongside you,” he said.

"He gives everything and has the ability to not only defend but also get up and score vital goals. He got eight last season and he's at it again now. He's a vital player for us."