In-form Thompson backs youth

Despite enjoying a purple patch of his own in green and gold, Archie Thompson is keen to see what Australia’s emerging attacking talents have to offer.

Despite enjoying a purple patch of his own in green and gold, Archie Thompson is keen to see what Australia-s emerging attacking talents have to offer.

Strikers Eli Babalj and Mathew Leckie have arrived in Korea in search of their first international caps, while inexperienced attacking weapons Tommy Oar and Tom Rogic are equally as desperate to showcase their value.

Thompson, 34, is excited at the prospect of seeing Australia-s generation next up close, having witnessed their collective potential at various times of his own Hyundai A-League career.

“With Rogic, he-s been a huge talent, I-ve been so impressed with how he-s been playing, especially last season too,” said Thompson.

“Babalj, before he left to go overseas was amazing for Heart and showed a huge future in the game.

“Tommy Oar, I forget Tommy Oar because I feel like he-s been part of the Qantas Socceroos for a long time, I think he-s playing every match for his club in Holland.

“You-ve got Leckie too, when he left I thought he was an amazing talent and from where he-s come from to where he is now, again, amazing story, great player and a great opportunity for him.

“The likes of Matty Ryan too, who has been voted number one goalkeeper for the Hyundai A-League over the last couple of seasons, another one that hopes to break through.

“Aziz Behich, he-s come on in leaps and bounds, he-s been probably one of Heart-s best players over the last couple of seasons.

“The future I think is very bright for the Qantas Socceroos.”

Thompson arrives in Hwasesong on the back of some solid individual and team form for Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League.

Thompson netted his second goal of the new season in Saturday-s come-from-behind triumph over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, where Victory continued their climb up the ladder following their slow start.

As one of several former or current Hyundai A-League talents in the squad to have assembled in Korea, Thompson is enthused by the evident dividends Australia-s top flight is having on its national team.

“(The Hyundai A-League) it-s been very important,” said Thompson.

“It-s good because younger players don-t have to venture off at such an early age to have aspirations of playing for the Qantas Socceroos.

“You can still develop your football in Australia, get some experience and you-ve still got the likes of Holger Osieck, who is watching the Hyundai A-League and giving these players opportunities.

“If you-re performing, he-s (Osieck) not afraid to put you in and that-s a good sign for some of the younger guys.”


The Qantas Socceroos will meet the challenge of fellow Asian heavyweights the Korea Republic at the Hwaseong Stadium on Wednesday, 14 November. Kick off is at 7pm local time (Kick off 9pm AEDT).

The Qantas Socceroos return to Australia in 2013, for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia at 7.30pm, Tuesday, 26 March, followed by Iraq, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 18 June.

Tickets for both matches at Stadium Australia are on sale now through Ticketek or via phone, 132 849.