Herd made his debut for the Socceroos under Postecoglou in the September 2014 friendly against Belgium, and made two more appearances against Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The three friendlies were preparation for the 2015 Asian Cup which saw Herd included in the Socceroos squad for the home tournament.

The then Aston Villa player was on the bench for Australia’s first game but unfortunately Herd injured his Achilles and did not take any further part as the Socceroos went on to win the continental title.

Two years later and Postecoglou is now facing a barrage of criticism for his tactics and demeanour in press conferences after the Socceroos failed to qualify for Russia 2018 directly.

The attacks have gotten more vociferous after media reports implied that Postecoglou would be leaving his post as Socceroos boss even if Australia qualify for Russia 2018, but Herd feels the condemnation is unjustified.

“It’s uncalled for to be honest,” he said speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo.

“Ange is doing a great job. What is happening with the criticism won’t affect the team or the management and everyone will do their best on the field and I believe we’ll be going to Russia.

“He’s a great coach and he’s the right man for the job. He’s done a great job transforming the team we have today.

“We have a great footballing team and great players. I really rate him as a manager and every time I’ve been in camp I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him.”

Herd is now back in Australia after spending 14 years in England including four seasons with Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

The midfielder has signed a two-year contract with Western Sydney and the 28-year-old is loving his time in the A-League.

“It’s been awesome and I’ve loved every minute of it so far,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a longer pre-season than I’m used to than in the UK but it’s been a much needed and tough pre-season and it feels good to have come through it.

“I’ve really enjoyed the first two games against Perth and Central Coast so the transition has been very easy and everyone at the Wanderers are all good people.”

Herd plays his first Sydney derby on Saturday night and he said he will use his experience of big games in England to help him prepare for arguably the biggest game in the A-League calendar.

“Every derby is huge and I’m looking forward to it like everyone in the city," he said.

“I have played in derbies against Wolverhampton Wolves and West Bromwich Albion. The game against Sydney FC is going to be a great game and a great spectacle and I don’t think it will let anyone down.

“We are all looking forward to it and are all ready to go.”