Kruse, who is currently without a club contract, came on in the 63rd minute for Jackson Irvine as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2 in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier.

The 28-year-old has battled with injuries over the years and has copped some flak for his international performances, but retains the trust of coach Ange Postecoglou.

And he says that's all that matters given the fact he insists he doesn't read what is written in the newspapers and discussed on TV.

“It’s no disrespect but I don’t really care what anyone thinks,” Kruse says.      

“To be honest I don’t read anything in the media, I don’t read what anyone else writes about me. When I do good, do bad, it doesn’t bother me to be honest, it’s the way it is.

“People are entitled to an opinion and I just get on with my job. I listen to the people I have to listen to and that’s Ange, the coaching staff and my family so I try and do my best.

“I haven’t played a lot lately, so people’s frustrations are understandable. I thought I did well tonight (against Saudi Arabia) and hopefully I can keep working hard and proving people wrong if they’re doubting my ability.”

 


 

 


 

 


 

Kruse is still looking for a new club after he walked away from Chinese Super League side Liaoning Whowin with Australian team-mate James Holland last month, reportedly over unpaid wages.

The 28-year-old felt he had a good game against the Saudis and is hoping he can get more game time with the Socceroos, despite still being in the process of trying to get a new contract somewhere.

“Things haven’t gone right for me since I did my knee a couple of years ago so it’s important for me to get back and get my head in the game,” he admitted.

“I felt I did really well when I came on and hopefully I can press myself to play more minutes, improve, and sort my future out in the next couple of weeks.”