Perth Glory defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley is hoping his ability on the left could be the key to his inclusion in Australia’s starting line-up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia.
Perth Glory defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley is hoping his ability on the left could be the key to his inclusion in Australia’s starting line-up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia.
Selected in Pim Verbeek’s exclusively Hyundai A-League based Socceroos squad, Topor-Stanley is facing some stiff competition for a defensive role from the likes of Queensland’s Craig Moore, Melbourne’s Rodrigo Vargas, Adelaide pair Scott Jamieson and Robert Cornthwaite and Sydney’s emerging youngster Shannon Cole.
With the experienced Moore all-but a certainty to occupy one of the centre back berths, Topor-Stanley is hopeful that being the only natural left-footer in the side will benefit his selection chances.
“It’s a good feeling to get called back in to the squad,” Topor-Stanley said.
“In the previous Socceroos games I’ve been used as a left back but as I’ve been playing centre back more recently, who knows.
“It’s up to Pim, so I’ve just got to get my head down and do my best and hopefully being the only natural left-footer there, I’ll get in through that,” he said.
Topor-Stanley said the Indonesian clash was a great chance for Hyundai A-League players to get their foot in the door for Australia’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers this year.
“It’s good for the Hyundai A-league boys to get a call up for the international gigs and it can only help the standard to have that kind of exposure,” Topor-Stanley said.
“It’s good to get the chance to really stake the claim and get in the mind of Pim, but I guess it’s just an opportunity for us to play on the international stage and prove to him in the end that we’re up to the challenge.”
Topor-Stanley gets a chance to get one over Moore in this Saturday’s clash between the Glory and Queensland at Suncorp Stadium. The young defender will then fly direct to Jakarta the following day for a training camp ahead of playing the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifier on Wednesday 28 January.
