Moore and Muscat would love to see packed MCG

Hyundai A-League stars Craig Moore and Kevin Muscat have no doubts that a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground will lift the Socceroos against world-ranked No.2 Argentina when they clash in a friendly early next month.

Hyundai A-League stars Craig Moore and Kevin Muscat have no doubts that a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground will lift the Socceroos against world-ranked No.2 Argentina when they clash in a friendly early next month.

Both players would love to play, although getting off to the right start with their clubs Queensland Roar and Melbourne Victory respectively is their first priority.

Moore, who last played for the Socceroos at the World Cup finals in Germany last year, has decided to return to Australia to see out his career and is looking forward to the start of the season this weekend.

“Who wouldn-t want to play in front of 100,000 fans,” Moore said, at the Hyundai A-League launch. “To play the MCG and potentially get 90-100,000 fans; it-s a fantastic opportunity for anybody that-s involved.”

Melbourne captain Muscat wouldn-t pass up the chance to play once more for his country in his hometown, especially against one of the best teams in the world. Ironically one of Muscat-s last games for his country was against Argentina at the 2005 Confederations Cup.

“I don-t think anyone would pass up the opportunity to play in front of a packed MCG,” Muscat said.

Does he think he is a chance to get picked?

“I have always maintained right throughout, all you can go out and do, is do your best for your club and if teams are picked on form, who knows.”

While Moore, who was central to Australia-s strong performances at the World Cup finals, would be an automatic selection, his main concern is getting back to fitness with Queensland. He played his first Pre-Season Cup game against Central Coast and came through fine and says he is fit, ready and raring to go.

“First and foremost I think the most important thing for me is to get myself playing well for Queensland Roar.

“Just because Craig Moore is back playing in Australia; I am exactly like every other player, you need to be playing well to be given that opportunity (to play for Australia) and we will see where it takes us.”

The former Rangers and Newcastle United defender though has no doubts that the Argentina squad will be strong and very hard to beat.

“They have a continuous conveyor belt of unbelievable talent and they also just won recently, the Under 20 World Youth Cup and that-s no surprise, as they continually produce super stars. They will be tough opposition.”

The Socceroos play Argentina on Tuesday September 11 at the MCG in Melbourne. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.au