Taking time out of his Socceroos training camp in Mierlo, Netherlands, goal keeper, Mark Schwarzer, has described the Hyundai A-League as a "massive success".
The Socceroos are in Mierlo to prepare for an international friendly match against the Netherlands on Sunday morning (Australian time) ahead of a crucial 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier in Tashkent, Uzbekistan the following Thursday morning (Australian time).
"I try to catch the Hyundai A-League highlights in England,'' Schwarzer said.
"I think it's improving all the time, and it's important it does that.
"What is really clear from the broadcasts I've seen is that the support is growing and growing. The performances are getting better; there are more and more players going back to play in Australia; Australian players are improving all the time; and there's also some good foreign players this season who add some interest."
Schwarzer also said that having former players, such as his team mate and former Socceroo captain, Paul Okon, involved in coaching will also add to the attraction of the Hyundai A-League.
Okon was announced yesterday as the assistant coach of one of the two new Hyundai A-League clubs, Gold Coast United, to enter the competition next season.
"I think it's very good news,'' Schwarzer said.
''Paolo' was a very, very talented footballer and he has so much knowledge of the game.
"He not only will have connections with other players but he also has good name in Belgium and Italy."
Schwarzer said that the key is to make sure the Hyundai A-League improves year after year.
"That is what is happening and so far it's been a massive success."
In the meantime, Schwarzer anticipates a tough assignment on Sunday morning when the Socceroos line up against the Netherlands.
''They are a very strong side and did very well at the Euros.
"We like to go into friendlies with the attitude of wanting to win every game, but our focus is on the game on Wednesday against Uzbekistan."
Feeling fresh and fit after a flying start with his new Turkish club, Galatasaray, Harry Kewell said that he is looking forward to the game.
"It's an important match for us,'' Kewell said.
"Obviously the Dutch are a good team. We are going out there to win the game and I'm sure the Dutch are going to do the same.”
Kewell said he and the entire squad is focused on getting to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The match against Uzbekistan is the first of eight matches in the fourth stage of qualification.
''We are going to go out there and show the world what we’re capable of doing,'' Kewell said.
In other news from Mierlo, team medical staff have confirmed that Matthew Spiranovic has been ruled out for the two matches due to unanticipated dental surgery.
Mark Milligan and Vincenzo Grella will also be assessed further after being unable to complete training yesterday.
The Socceroos will meet the Netherlands on Saturday night in Eindhoven (4.45am AEST Sunday 7 September).
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