North looking at Singapore as a springboard to future

The Socceroos friendly international against Singapore on Saturday night, could act as the springboard for many future careers, according to experienced defender Jade North.

The Socceroos friendly international against Singapore on Saturday night, could act as the springboard for many future careers, according to experienced defender Jade North.

North is not alone in using this match to put their name firmly in the reckoning for a place in the final squad for the World Cup qualifying game against China, which is being played four days later and in future qualifiers.

The Newcastle Jets captain though is determined to make every post a winner on Saturday night, not just to impress national coach Pim Verbeek, but also potential clubs from overseas.

“It-s a great chance for us to really step up and show our authority out there,” North said. “China is just around the corner as well and hopefully I can get my foot in the door, not only for China but the rest of the campaign.”

“I want to cement myself with the Socceroos,” he added. “A chance like this you have got to take it with both hands and I think I-m ready for it. I know my ability and I back my ability and I want to just give it a really good crack.”

As one of the senior players in the side and a Championship winning captain, North-s name has been bandied about as a potential skipper against Singapore. And while acknowledging it would be a great honour, North himself believes it would be hard to go past Harry Kewell for the captaincy.

“It-s something (the captaincy) that I would never have expected at all, but if it came along, I'd love to do it,” North said.

“But obviously Harry's here and he's a big part of the team so I'm pretty sure if it was going to anyone it would be him.

“Harry's looking good,” North said enthusiastically. “Every time I've been in camp he's been the same, good on the ball, nice composure, good to have around and it helps having him there with a few of the young boys.

“It's great for Australian football that he's back. Obviously he's having a few things going on at Liverpool at the moment, with his coming to the end of his contract and he obviously wants to play again, especially with the Aussie team.

“It's good for him, good for us and it-ll be a boost for all the young boys, having him here.”

When asked if a move overseas was on the cards, the 26-year-old from Taree, said if the opportunity was the right one, it would be hard to turn down and is something he would like to do before his career comes to a close.

“If the opportunity comes along, I'd love to go. Obviously it-s hard with the passport issues and that, but there are other ways. I'd certainly have a look at it.

“I think I've shown Pim and the (Hyundai) A-League what I can do and if I get myself overseas I want to show him (Verbeek) what I can do over there.

"Yeh, so if a chance came along, I-d love to take it.”

Australia take on Singapore on Saturday night, with Fox Sports showing a live broadcast of the match from 10.00pm.