Beauchamp feeling good about his football

One position in the Socceroos starting line-up that will be most under the attention of Pim Verbeek and his coaching staff for next Wednesday’s clash with Uzbekistan, concerns just who will replace Craig Moore alongside Lucas Neill in the centre of defence.

One position in the Socceroos starting line-up that will be most under the attention of Pim Verbeek and his coaching staff for next Wednesday-s clash with Uzbekistan, concerns just who will replace Craig Moore alongside Lucas Neill in the centre of defence.

Michael Beauchamp, along with Jade North and Chris Coyne, are the three battling for Moore-s spot, who was ruled out of this World Cup qualifying game at Stadium Australia* after injuring his hamstring against Kuwait earlier this month.

Beauchamp had endured a rough time around Christmas and the New Year, after himself tearing a hamstring, just after playing in the one of the biggest matches of his career against Manchester United in the Champions League.

“Before Christmas, it was a tough time for me there,” Beauchamp said in Sydney. “I injured my hamstring just after the Manchester United game in the Champions League and that put me out for three months.

"I came back here and got it sorted out with Darren Burgess and Phil Coles (Socceroos Staff members) and I went back there fit.

“I am back into it; I-ve played a few UEFA Cup games and I am really happy at the moment.”

The former Central Coast Mariners defender, while not wanting to get into a debate about his chances of getting Moore-s spot, is happy with how things are going at present, which included scoring a goal for Aalborg on Monday night in a 3-2 win.

“That-s up for Pim to decide; there is two other boys there fighting for the position as well in Jade North and Chris Coyne. Personally I am just going to concentrate on training and put my hand up (for selection).

“Yeah, closing the eyes every now and again and coming off the biscuit tin (his head) is not too bad, so I can-t complain about that,” he added about his goal on Monday.

While some may have questioned his move from Germany to the lesser know Danish league and Aalborg, Beauchamp now ins more confident in himself and where his football is heading.

“In Germany, I sat on the bench for six months and it was tough and still getting called back for the Socceroos and trying to perform was tough.

“As a sportsman you need to be playing regularly to be at my best, so for me personally I feel that I am slowly getting there and not far away.

“It (the Danish League) doesn-t get the coverage of the other leagues, but each week you go out there, you are still getting tested.

“For me the main aim was to go there and get games and that-s what I am doing now and for me at this stage of my football career, I am happy to be there, playing regularly. “It-s much better than sitting on the bench in Germany.”

Unlike some of his teammates who are predicting a very attacking game by Australia, Beauchamp however is still mindful that the result is still the main aim and Uzbekistan will be tough opposition and just as desperate for a result.

“It-s going to be a tough game, we can-t take anything lightly, he said taking a more cautious approach. “We-ve got a few more days to prepare together, where usually we only have a couple of days, but all the boys are definitely up for the fight.

“We-ll definitely be playing a more attacking game, but you-ve got to keep the goals out as well.

“For us, I think it-s about going out there and getting the result and also hopefully putting on a good performance for the public.”

Tickets are still available for the match. To purchase your tickets, go to www.ticketek.com.au or phone on 132 849 or they can be purchased from all Ticketek outlets.

*ANZ Stadium referred to original name of Stadium Australia, due to rules of Asian Football Confederation.