The next generation

Will these men get us to the 2010 South African World Cup?

Let's hope so. From the left: Eamonn Flanagan, (he won't get us anywhere, has been!) Brett Holman (FC Nijmegen) Michael Thwaites (Wisla Krakow, Poland) Carl Valeri (Grosseto, Italy).

The lads were out for a bit of cheap DVD purchasing in downtown Bangkok.

Before they left they obliged with a photo shoot.

Walking out the swinging hotel doors the day after the dismal Socceroos performance against Oman, Carl Valeri turns back and asks me and another journalist, with a very serious face, "Did you enjoy the game?"

Now I'm not often stumped for words, but my friend and I looked at each other, wondering what to say, and then back at Carl, who was in hysterics.

"No, I guess not." He laughs.

He strolls out, leaving two stunned mullets behind.

Good one Carl, I'll get you back!

Carl Valeri writes

Carl Valeri experiences football's growth in Australia.

A big welcome at Football in the Capital to Socceroo Carl Valeri.

Carl has just been chosen in the first ever Socceroos Asia Cup squad.Carl will be writing for Football in the Capital/Asia Cup blog every week, as the Socceroos attempt to win their first major international tournament.

We're thrilled to have Carl promoting the game in Canberra and beyond. Over to you Carl.

Hi I'm Carl Valeri

This week I was named in the first Socceroos squad to play in the Asian Cup, so as you can all imagine I am pretty excited.

It still hasn’t hit me. I think as it gets close it will. I feel pretty lazy at the moment because I'm not training. But I think my body needs the rest.It's great just hanging out with my mates and family.

I've heard Australians say Canberra is boring, but I always manage to have a great time when I'm back.It's awesome that football in Australia is finally getting the attention it deserves.

I have never done so much media activity in Australia as I have in the last week.Paul Ashenden (Sports Editor) and The Canberra Times have been great. They wrote a few articles this week, and I got to do a photo and an article with my old man. ABC Radio also did an interview.

I'm excited to be writing in this blog. I thinks it's an awesome idea. Its great to know that we have people like Eamonn putting football news into the community.

bye for nowCarl

Ed. Catch Carl's interview next week the day before he flies out to join the Socceroos squad.

Socceroo Carl Valeri writes

Socceroo Carl Valeri will write each week for the Asian Cup blog. Catch up on all the news and views about the Socceroos on their historic journey into Asia.

Catch Carl's first post on Tuesday next week.