Victory duo handed key leadership roles

Melbourne Victory duo of Kevin Muscat and Archie Thompson have been handed the key leadership roles for the Socceroos Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait at Aussie Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday night. Muscat will lead the team, while Thompson is vice-captain.

Melbourne Victory duo of Kevin Muscat and Archie Thompson have been handed the key leadership roles for the Socceroos Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait at Aussie Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Muscat, who has captained the Socceroos in 2001, was installed as captain for the crucial qualifier, with his Victory team mate Thompson named as vice- captain.

The choice of Muscat was an fairly obvious one, given his leadership qualities and that he is the most experienced international player in the 18-man squad, which comprises totally of players from the Hyundai A-League.

His appointment was confirmed after the players enjoyed a recovery session at Bondi Beach.

"I'm just as honoured as I was 12, 13-odd years ago when I played my first game," said Muscat at Bondi Beach.

"This time around obviously it's a lot different. It's a massive challenge for us, coming off the back of the World Cup and the success the team had there, and in terms of personal, this is a shadow of that side."

Thompson, one of just two players in the squad that represented Australia at the 2006 World Cup finals, was honoured by being named vice-captain.

"To be a vice-captain of a Socceroos squad that's done so much in the last couple of months is an honour," the star striker said.