Thompson keen to keep improving at international level

Newcastle Jets utility Matt Thompson is keen for an improved performance all round, if he earns another call up to the national team for the Asian Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on Thursday night.

Newcastle Jets utility Matt Thompson is keen for an improved performance all round, if he earns another call up to the national team for the Asian Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on Thursday night.

Thompson was used defensively by Pim Verbeek in his debut against Indonesia in Jakarta and while happy with how he did that job, the Jets player is hoping to be more active in attack during the at Canberra Stadium.

Ironically, Thompson, who played in several positions for the Jets during the season, ended up scoring the only hat-trick of the 2008-09 season and is keen to show he can do the same thing at international level.

“In Indonesia, I was given instructions more on the defensive side of things in the game and I did that,” he said from Canberra.

“I would have liked to have gotten forward a lot more, but that-s just how the game panned out I guess.

“If given another opportunity, I want to defend as well as I did in Indonesia, but at the same time I want to put my two cents worth up front and if I can do that this game, I will be very happy.

“It was a great experience last time in Indonesia, but I want to do better if given another opportunity and I am really looking forward to getting that chance.”

Thompson has no doubts the extra preparation time will help the team put in a better performance than the Indonesia game, even though they managed a 0-0 draw.

“We are obviously going to have a bit more time together. We got in yesterday and had a session; everyone was together this morning and we-ve got another one this afternoon.

“Obviously we have more preparation this time round, which can only help (the performance).”

Thompson reiterated the comments of his captain Craig Moore that this is a must win game for the team, a point which Pim has also rammed home to the players.

“Pim said the Indonesia game was a good result, but this time around we have to win, no questions asked.

“It-s going to be a great surface and playing on our home ground; it-s an advantage to us, so there is no reason why we can-t come away with the three points.”

Thompson said the players from the grand final, who arrived last night after a hectic couple of days following Saturday-s match, were all in good spirits and like everyone else looking forward to the match.

“No, they are not too bad,” he said, when asked they were a little jaded. “We had a hit out this morning and they looked good; the Melbourne boys were obviously on a high, but the Adelaide boys, they are alright.

“They have gotten over it and looking forward to Thursday.”

The match represents a terrific opportunity for the people of Canberra to get out and watch the Socceroos, in what is a very important match in the qualification process for one of the biggest tournaments the team will play in.

Tickets for the match, which kicks-off at 8.00pm AEDT, are available from Ticketek (web: www.ticketek.com.au, Phone: 132 894 and all Ticketek agencies).