Emerton: Our experience will be invaluable

A long-serving and integral member of the Australia line-up, Brett Emerton is once again set to be a vital cog as the Socceroos aim to make their mark at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Now 31, Emerton’s tireless work-rate and aggressive running on the flanks seemed to have only improved with age.

Emerton has displayed his versatility both in domestic football, for Blackburn Rovers, and for his country, featuring at times in central midfield, or as a right full-back or right midfielder. After 12 years in the national team, Emerton is currently Australia’s most capped outfield player and he will shortly be eyeing the national record of 87. Sure to be prominent in Pim Verbeek’s plans over the coming month, Emerton tells FIFA.com how he is feeling and how the Socceroos are shaping up heading into South Africa, four years on from their breakthrough showing at Germany 2006.

FIFA.com: Are you feeling fit and fresh following the rigours of a long English season?
Brett Emerton: I am feeling OK. Obviously very excited and looking forward to the World Cup, so the sooner it comes around the better really.

You have rarely been injured in your career but you missed a large chunk of 2009 with a serious knee injury. Are you fully recovered from that and has the time off helped in any way?
As far as fitness is concerned, I am feeling very good at the moment. I picked up a couple of minor injuries at the end of the season which kept me out of a few games, but this has given me the opportunity to freshen up a little bit and make sure I am ready and raring to go come the first game against Germany.