Socceroo Leckie touch-and-go for ALM season opener

October 10

Socceroos forward Mathew Leckie is touch-and-go for the A-League Men season opener as he attempts to move beyond his latest injury setback.

Leckie has had a limited pre-season after a calf issue but is pushing to get back to his best by early in the season.

If that means missing next Saturday’s away match against Newcastle, he is confident he’ll be ready soon after.

“I just need to see how I progress from now until then,” Leckie told AAP.

“I had a very minor setback but because I haven’t had the consistency, I just want to make sure I make the right decision and don’t force it.

“It really goes on how I feel in the next few days, week of training and then take it from there.”

Leckie, 33, battled with knee and soft-tissue injuries last season, including missing the Asian Cup, but is confident he can put his tough run behind him.

“The back end of last season I was able to see out the last five games,” he said.

“I feel like I can help the team and that’s obviously why I’m here.

“It’s been frustrating and every player wants to play.

“Obviously it’s been an annoying previous season and there’s not always an answer as to why.

“But I’ve been doing as much as I can, doing all the extra one-percenters to try and get myself back fully fit and get some momentum.”

A Socceroos staple under Ange Postecoglou, Bert van Marwijk and Graham Arnold, versatile attacker/midfielder Leckie is determined to once again earn a spot under new boss Tony Popovic.

“I’ve obviously always been pretty clear that I love the national team and I want to be a part of it for as long as I can,” he said.

“A new coach coming in doesn’t change the way that I think in terms of I know that I’ve got to be playing well and playing consistent.

“That’s first and foremost what’s important and then then if I’m selected it would be another honour.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to make a lot of appearances and represent the country many times but it’s still an honour and it’s never taken for granted.”

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