Matt Thompson has this afternoon been selected in the Qantas Socceroos squad to take on Kuwait in an AFC Asian Cup 2011 Qualifier on Wednesday, 6 January 2010.
Newcastle Jets captain Matt Thompson has this afternoon been selected in the Qantas Socceroos squad to take on Kuwait in an AFC Asian Cup 2011 Qualifier on Wednesday, 6 January 2010.
Thompson-s selection in Pim Verbeek-s 23-man squad comes on the back of a superb run of form which has seen the versatile 27-year-old lead the Jets into fourth spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder after securing four successive wins in the past month.
A true ironman in the domestic football scene, Thompson has played in a Hyundai A-League record 111 matches and earlier this season became the first player to reach a century of appearances in Australia-s top-flight football competition.
His performances since joining the Jets in 2005 have earned him two previous call-ups to the National Team in matches against Indonesia and Kuwait, and no doubt he will be looking to add to his tally of Qantas Socceroos caps in 2010.
The Jets- skipper was today delighted with his selection and is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to don the green and gold of his country once more.
“It-s always very nice to be recognised, and to be selected for your country is a real honour.”
“You work hard with your club week-in week-out and hope to do well in every game, but to get recognition in the Australian set-up is a massive bonus and something that you certainly appreciate and cherish.”
“It-s a great opportunity and something that I-m definitely looking forward to.” Thompson said. “If I do get the chance to get on the pitch then I-d love to grab the opportunity with both hands and do a job for the team.”
