Australia’s Blackburn Rovers midfielder Brett Emerton has given his squad a massive plus by returning to training after playing only a minor part in the Aussie’s pre-World Cup build up so far.

 

The 31 year-old will still take it comparatively easy following his calf injury but should be fully fit when the Australians face Germany on 13^th June. Fellow injury victims Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer should also both be fit. Fulham keeper Schwarzer, who has been linked in his absence with a move across London to the Emirates, sprained a thumb prior to the friendly against New Zealand whilst Kewell has struggled with a groin strain and is targeting the first Group game.

Coach Pim Verbeek is fully aware that only 100% effort will get them off to a good start against the perennially strong Germans. Once that test is over, games against Ghana and Serbia will ultimately decide their fate. However, with expectations of his squad peaking at just the right time, Verbeek holds high hopes for their chances of progression through Group D. With striker Tim Cahill fit and raring to go after another good season with Everton, the second round is a real possibility.