To see Schwarz meet fans in Sydney's West...

In the last week, News Ltd newspapers published an email they reported was sent by a player who has been a member of the Socceroos for more than a decade.

In it, the anonymous player slams Schwarzer for backing Tim Cahill against allegations of a drunken night out after an awards night on June 11.

That alleged night out received widespread coverage which Schwarzer maintains was "blown way out of proportion".

Today, Schwarzer said the spirit of the national team group was strong enough to ensure such alleged stories would not be a distraction to team harmony.

"There are always going to be critics out there," Schwarzer told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"Nobody is going to stop the critics and us, as players we need to concentrate on staying together as a team and making sure we play the football on the pitch.

"We're a very strong, close knit unit. Were thrilled to have qualified for our second consecutive World Cup and excited about the future.

"What's going to be said in the media is beyond our control. I dont really want to comment on it because its been blown out of proportion anyway.

"I've said it before, I back Timmy [Cahill] all the way. And I don't think Tim's done anything wrong."

Meanwhile, Schwarzer has been on the promotional trail across regional and rural parts of Victoria and NSW promoting his Megs Morrison books (www.megsmorrison.com).

Last night, the Socceroo number one was greeted by around 200 enthusiastic fans at the international goalkeepers academy in Rooty Hill, which is run by former national team keeper Jim Fraser.

"We've been on tour with Megs," said Schwarzer. "We've been to a lot of places that dont often get that kind of thing in their schools or junior football clubs.

"I can't believe how highly regarded the Socceroos are amongst the kids, particularly in these regional parts of Australia."

"Now you see kids wearing their Socceroo shirts to school a few years ago, maybe the premier league jerseys were worn. The Socceroos have really risen to the forefront of the game, which is amazing.

"We've been flat out."

Last night was the last stop on Schwarzers local book tour.