Bozanic hoping versatility counts

Oliver Bozanic has talked up his chances of making the Socceroos' World Cup squad and says he'll be happy to perform any role assigned to him by Ange Postecoglou.

Bozanic, 25, made his first appearance at full international level for Australia during the friendly win over Canada in October, before receiving more game-time in the defeat to Ecuador in March.

Selected in the 30-man provisional World Cup squad, the former Central Coast Mariner believes he has every chance of surviving next week's cut and making it onto the plane to Brazil.

"I'm very hopeful," he said ahead of Monday's friendly against South Africa in Sydney.

"I've just come in, I have a few days to train and prepare for the first game and that's all I can do really, do the best I possibly can to prove myself for the World Cup with the remaining time before the games."

Bozanic has impressed in his first campaign at Swiss Super League side Luzern, filling different roles in the middle of the park and helping the team to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League.

Having been deployed in both attacking midfield and a holding role in Switzerland, versatility could well count in the 2012-13 A-League title winner's favour.

"I'll be happy with either position and any chance, whatever I can do to help our team succeed ... at the World Cup," he said.

The timing of Bozanic's switch to football's heartland could not have been better and surely enhanced his chances of a ticket to Brazil.

"My aim was to go to Europe," he said.

"It just worked out perfectly that it happened in a World Cup year. I think (it was) very fortunate for my Socceroos career.

"It's a bigger league, in terms of you're in Europe, you have all the other big countries. It's helped a lot. I was lucky to have a great start and I hope it can continue."

Impressing on the big stage could see Bozanic, who spent three years at Reading without making a league appearance between 2007 and 2010, go on the move again, although there will be a new deal waiting for him at Luzern if he chooses to stay.

"I have one year remaining," he said.

"I was offered a new contract but at this stage I'm just waiting to see what happens. Firstly focus on the Socceroos and then focus back on to club once we finish."

Send Off the Socceroos

Socceroos vs South Africa, presented by NAB


Monday 26 May 2014
ANZ Stadium, Sydney 
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Tickets from $30, including public transport. Buy now!

ABC Grandstand will have live coverage of the match from 1900-2135 AEST on ABC Grandstand Digital across Australia, online and via the phone app.

You can also tune in on digital SBS Radio 3 and SBS Radio 4, Digital TV, online at sbs.com.au/radio or via the SBS Your Language App.