Mitch's Joy At Socceroo Recall

Nichols’ form has been outstanding in Brisbane’s opening four fixtures, including the lone goal in his side’s 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners and three assists in Roar’s 7-1 demolition of Adelaide United last time out.

Nichols is the first to admit he didn’t make the most of his chance with the Australian national team when making his debut as a 19-year-old in an Asian Cup qualifying game against Kuwait in 2009.

But he plans to grab this opportunity with both hands.

“I didn’t expect it, but I’m really excited,” he said. “I’ve been working towards this and now I’ve got to make the most of it.

“There’s no guarantee of game time or anything but I’m going to go over there and do my best and hopefully impress.

“This has been a dream of mine since I was four or five, ever since I started playing.

“It didn’t hit me what I achieved then (in 2009) and this second time round, I’m going to make the most of it and I don’t want to let the chance go by.”

The former Palm Beach junior received a call from Qantas Socceroos Team Manager Gary Moretti after training on Monday afternoon but had to keep his news quiet from his teammates until this morning.

“It was pretty hard to do – I only told my mum and a few close mates who I knew wouldn’t tell anyone,” Nichols said.

“I wanted to come into the changing room and tell everyone but I had to keep my mouth shut.”

Nichols named his new-found consistency in the orange jersey as a key factor in his improvement over the past 18 months which in turn as led to his Australian team selection.

“I was probably slacking off a bit after I did originally play for the Socceroos when I was 19,” he said. “I’ve come in with a fresh attitude, starting from last pre-season and I’ve just continued that.

“Ange has been in my ear every week about improving and keeping that consistency.

“He told me, you know you’ve got the talent and now it’s about your hard work on and off the field, looking after yourself when you’re away from here and doing all the right things.”

The 22-year-old said he drew inspiration from close mate, former teammate and fellow  Socceroo Matt McKay, who last season displayed through hard work and dedication that A-League players can make the cut for Osieck’s playing group.

“Matty was an inspiration, he was getting picked in the Socceroos last year while playing in the A-League,” he said. “We all look around and think, well if he can do it, why can’t we.

“I’ve missed him, he was one of my close mates in the team and I actually spoke to him yesterday about it.

“He told me not to be nervous and just go in and play the way I’ve been playing for club and don’t be overawed.”

Nichols is in good company within the Hyundai A-League contingent, named alongside veterans Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell in Oseick’s squad for the 11 November game in Muscat and the 15 November match in Bangkok.

Coupled with his impending Qantas Olyroos commitments, Nichols will miss three Brisbane Roar fixtures in total – Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium on 13 November, Newcastle Jets away on 19 November and Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on 26 November.

However Emerton will play for Sydney FC this Sunday against the Gold Coast at the Sydney Football Stadium and will return in time for Sydney FC’s home clash with the Central Coast Mariners on 19 November, missing only the game against Perth Glory in Perth on 12 November.

“It’s always an honour to play for the National Team and it’s nice to be back in the squad,” Emerton said. “I have always been proud to represent my country and I look forward to the two World Cup Qualifiers.

“Saying that, I’ve really enjoyed the four games I’ve played at Sydney FC and was starting to feel we were getting into a rhythm but I’ll be there on Sunday when we play the Gold Coast, miss the trip to Perth and be back in time for the game against the Central Coast. “

The Socceroos will assemble in Dubai early next week for a short training camp before arriving in Muscat on Thursday 10 November to face Oman the next day at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium.

The Socceroos will then travel to Bangkok the following day (Saturday 12 November) to prepare for their match against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday (15 November).

At this stage the FFA has not been informed by the Asian Football Confederation of any change to the venue or kick-off time and date for the match against Thailand due to the flood waters that are currently affecting Bangkok, but that can change at any time.

The Socceroos are currently at the top of Group D with maximum points from their opening three matches followed by Thailand in second place then Saudi Arabia and Oman.