Filan's Aussie regrets

Last updated : 11 February 2003 By Paul Farrington
John Filan
The Sydney-born keeper has been capped twice by the Socceroos, but having turned 33 at the weekend, he is realistic about his future chances on the world stage.

Filan will be following the fortunes of the Aussies when they take on England in tomorrow's friendly at Upton Park.

And while he concedes Sven Goran Eriksson's side are clear favourites to win the game, he thinks his countrymen will give them a run for their money.

The keeper said: "I had a few problems with the previous Australian coach going back five or six years and haven't played since.

"I would think the current manager Frank Farina will be looking at players who are a bit younger for the next World Cup campaign.

"So in that regard, I can't see myself getting back in the squad.

"But if I was to be involved in some way in the future that would be good."

Filan, who moved to Latics from Blackburn in a £600,000 transfer 14 months ago, is looking forward to tomorrow night's clash in the East End.

And with the Aussies having a number of European based players in their squad, he predicts a decent game.

Filan said: "We've half a dozen world class players now such as Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Mark Schwarzer, and they can compete with the best.

"It will be a good game – England start as favourites by a long stretch but knowing the Australians, they will come out and have a right go.

"Unfortunately, soccer in Australia comes pretty well down the pecking order of sports.

"The soccer federation is broke apparently and there is a lot of competition there.

"It's not the biggest country in terms of population and there is only a small market to aim for.

"When I was young, I played all sports – rugby league, rugby union, a bit of cricket – but soccer took my fancy.

"I began playing as a five-year-old when I first went to school, and while my older brother played rugby league, my mum pushed me into soccer in the hope I wouldn't come home covered in cuts and bruises like him.

"I stuck with it as I grew up, started specialising as a goalkeeper when I was 14 or 15, and here I am now."

Meanwhile, Filan's Latics colleague Andy Liddell has been named in the Scotland "Future" squad to play Turkey in Antalya on February 25.

It's the striker's second call-up by Berti Vogts, having been included in the party before Christmas for a game against Germany.

A torn calf muscle put paid to him joining up that time but Vogts has kept tabs of his progress since then, watching him in action in last month's win at Bristol City.

Liddell scored his 13th goal of the campaign after just 49 seconds of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Blackpool, a healthy return considering he has started only 20 league games.

Also included in the Scottish squad is former Latics goalkeeper Derek Stillie, now with SPL outfit Dunfermline Athletic.

Article from the Wigan Evening Post.

Also if you purchase the paper. Please take the time to look at the picture enclosed from last season's encounter with the seasiders. Arjan De Zeeuw features while Filan is sporting last years yellow kit!