Moore puts hand up for Qatar match

Queensland Roar defender Craig Moore has given his clearest indication yet that he will answer Pim Verbeek’s call to pull on the Green & Gold once again when he addressed local media this morning.

Queensland Roar defender Craig Moore has given his clearest indication yet that he will answer Pim Verbeek-s call to pull on the Green & Gold once again when he addressed local media this morning.

Moore met with the new Socceroos boss last week and said he would be available if needed to firm up the defence for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Qatar next month.

Moore said: “I spoke with Pim before the Melbourne game to say that if I was needed [I-d be available].”

“I don-t know what his thoughts are on the national team, but I don-t think personally it-s the strongest squad I-ve ever seen.

“With the game in February, me playing is a possibility but it-s not really a question for myself, it-s one for Pim. I would play though,” he said.

Roar Coach Frank Farina added weight to the calls for Moore to prolong his career with the Socceroos and backed his skipper to continue playing at his influential best for some time yet.

“Craig Moore is only 32 and I think he-s still got at least three or four good years left in him. Defenders don-t usually reach their peak until about 28, so Craig-s still got a lot to offer. He-s a wonderful player and a wonderful leader and the national team needs people like him to keep going,” Farina said.