Brisbane Roar defender Jade North has been selected in the 23-player Qantas Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman in Sydney.
Brisbane Roar defender Jade North has been selected in the 23-player Qantas Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman in Sydney.
North-s selection – he-s one of six Hyundai A-League players named by Head Coach Holger Oseick – comes just two months after joining Brisbane Roar from J-League side Consadole Sapporo and on the back of some solid defensive displays at the back for his new club.
The 31-year-old was surprised by his selection but said it justified the decision to return to Brisbane and play in the Hyundai A-League.
“For me, it was about coming back to play consistently and to find some form,” North said.
“Coming to Brisbane, they gave me an offer I couldn-t refuse and that includes the opportunity to work with the FFA on indigenous programs.
“To come back and get chosen for the national team, it-s come a lot sooner than I thought.”
The 31-year-old endured a demanding schedule in 2012, the training commitment of his Japanese club coupled with arduous travel for his national team commitments meant he was given a much needed break towards the end of the year.
When he signed for Brisbane in early January, North had barely touched a football in five weeks and the versatile defender credited his current form and fitness to the careful management of his football conditioning by the Roar coaching staff.
“I missed a few games at the end of last year because my body was overworked and I needed a good rest with about five games to go,” North said.
“Now, I-m working hard at training and come game day, I feel great.
“It helps when you have a great team in front of you, it makes my work a lot easier.”
Since he made his club debut against Central Coast Mariners in round 19 of the Hyundai A-League season, North-s presence in the heart of the Roar defence has helped his side to three clean sheets in the competition.
The Qantas Socceroos play Oman in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 26 at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
Brisbane Roar will play final Hyundai A-League matches of the regular season two days prior against Melbourne Heart and the following Thursday against Sydney FC, both at Suncorp Stadium.
Qantas Socceroos squad: Mark BRESCIANO (Al Gharafa, Oman); Alex BROSQUE (AL Ain, UAE); Tim CAHILL (New York Red Bulls, USA); Robert CORNTHWAITE (Chunnam Dragons, Korea Republic); Dino DJULBIC (Al Wahda, UAE); Eugene GALEKOVIC (Adelaide United); James HOLLAND (FK Austria Vienna, Austria); Brett HOLMAN (Aston Villa, England); Mile JEDINAK (Crystal Palace, England); Robbie KRUSE (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany); Ryan MCGOWAN (Shandong Luneng, China); Matt MCKAY (Changchun Yatai, China); Mark MILLIGAN (Melbourne Victory); Jade NORTH (Brisbane Roar); Tommy OAR (FC Utrecht, Netherlands); Tom ROGIC (Celtic, Scotland); Mathew RYAN (Central Coast Mariners); Mark SCHWARZER (Fulham, England); Archie THOMPSON (Melbourne Victory); Michael THWAITE (Perth Glory); Luke WILKSHIRE (Dinamo Moscow, Russia); Rhys WILLIAMS (Middlesbrough, England); Michael ZULLO (FC Utrecht, Netherlands).
