Iredale: I don't think I could want to play more

Potential CommBank Socceroos debutant Jack Iredale expressed his desire to step out onto the pitch in green and gold, stating that he “couldn’t want it any more” after a career defined by resilience and consistency at club level.

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He was speaking to media after being selected by Head Coach Tony Popovic for friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in the November international window.

The 29-year-old touched on his pride at making 300 professional appearances at club level, his relationship with fellow squad members, and what he has learned from his time with the squad so far.

Being involved with the squad

It's something that I've always dreamed of to be involved here. I know playing well for my club means it gives me every opportunity to get recognised. And the fact that I am here and I've managed to come back a couple of times, it gives me confidence that I must be doing something right. So I’m just trying to put my best foot forward and enjoy being part of the environment.

Any opportunity you get to come into camp, it's something that you need to take and try and grasp with both hands. We’ve got two really exciting games and a good few days of training as well.

Bringing hard work

It's hard work and making sure you're doing the basics right. I'm a left sided defender, so I like to get stuck in and do the dirty work, and then when it's time to keep the ball, I like to think I can bring that side as well.

Resilience after long term injuries

It almost didn't happen for me before it even started. So when I was going through those setbacks [ACL ruptures as a teenager], those injuries, it just solidified the fact that the only thing I want to do is to be able to play football. I know I've been through tough times, whether that's on the pitch or off the pitch, so no doubt I've got that resilience in me when it's needed.

I left Australia when I was 21, and started my professional career in Scotland. Just last weekend, I managed to get my 300th senior appearance. So I've been away for a while, been grinding at it. Everyone that knows me and that speaks to me regarding football knows just how much being able to represent my country would mean to me, and now being a part of this environment and being able to be involved in the lead up to games, it really does solidify that.

Desire to be selected

I don't think I could want it anymore, to be fair, whether that's being close [to debuting] or not. It really just solidifies how badly I do want it, having the opportunity to come back multiple times and be a part of the group and just understand the way things are and what the expectations are, it's something that I do really appreciate. And then, I'm happy to be part of the group. 

I have earned a lot tactically [during time with Socceroos]. It's the same formation, but a little bit different tactically. So that's one thing you need to think of. And he [Popovic] just gave me things that he wanted me to go away and work on. When the boss talks, you listen. So it's something that I'm really trying to make sure I do. I've been happy with how things have been going.

Preparing for the World Cup

Everyone's trying to come to grips of what the environment is going to be like. So it's something that we need to be ready for, whether that's staying in it for an extended period of time in one place, or traveling and then playing with a quick turnaround. So everything is a learning curve, and we're all trying to make the most of it.

Relationship with other players in the squad

[Martin Boyle] is such a good guy. He leads in his own way. He's not the most vocal, but he leads by example on the pitch. That's something that a lot of the boys take inspiration from, whether we're talking about anything to do with football or not. He's a good guy that basically keeps everyone's spirits nice and higher with his energy levels. 

Cam [Devlin] is absolutely flying [at Hearts]. Obviously, as crosstown rivals, you don't really want them to be flying! But in terms of the way Cam's playing, he seems to be to be holding that team together and doing everything right. As a person, I'm happy for him, and I think he's got every chance to keep progressing.

Match Details

Venezuela v CommBank Socceroos
Date: Friday, 14 November (local)
Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas
Kick-off: 8:30pm local/1:30pm AEDT (Saturday, November 15)
Tickets:  Click here for Tickets
Broadcast: 10, 10.com.au, Paramount+