Degenek looking to be one of the leaders in Doha

Milos Degenek says he will impart any experience he can on the younger players in the squad should they ask for it.

Seventeen players of the Socceroos’ 26-man squad will be appearing at their first FIFA World Cup.

Degenek was involved in the major tournament more than four years ago in Russia, but despite being an unused the substitute, the 28-year-old boasts plenty of pedigree.

SOCCEROOS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

He believes he can offer a sense of assuredness and calming influence in the squad, with several Australia greats having retired since 2018.

“I think the team in Russia was very different,” he said in an interview.

“We had a lot more experienced players and leaders like Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan who were who were part of the squad.

“Those boys are not here but Maty Ryan's here, Mathew Leckie is here Aziz (Behich), is here who are still leaders and who have been to the last World Cup and myself and Jackson Irvine as well.

“But I can bring obviously that calm nature and I guess that experience to help the boys if things are in need.

“Have a bit of a conversation outside of the pitch, but on the pitch I can bring that calmness and that work ethic and the desire to win.”

With 38 caps for his country and appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for Red Star Belgrade, Degenek believes he can have a positive impact on this team.

“And just my experience overall in these situations and playing against these players that we are bound to play against over the next couple of weeks who I've played against most of them in the Champions League,” he explained.

“So I'm looking forward to playing against some of them at the World Cup as well.”

After Degenek’s MLS campaign with Columbus Crew finished a few weeks ago, the defender has been keeping fit at his former club in Red Star and was very thankful to the Serbian side for allowing him to do so.

Being one of the earliest arrivals into camp, Degenek lauded the team’s base at the Aspire Academy in Doha, praising the facilities and thanked the staff for making the players feel extremely welcomed.

“Obviously, it's a pleasure to be here. It's an honour to be selected in the Socceroos World Cup squad,” he continued.

“I think these facilities are phenomenal, the training pitch is ridiculously good.

“The facilities we have, the gym is really good, the rooms are nice, the cafeteria is nice, the food's been really good to be fair as well.

“I think in general, the staff and the people that are working around the site are really good and friendly.

“I think we're very blessed to be here, and I think it's going to be one of the best World Cups ever organised.”