Patrick Kisnorbo and I united through humour

Patrick Kisnorbo and me at our hotel.

Now what could I possibly have in common with Patrick Kisnorbo

Okay it's his hotel, not mine. Just I've spent so much time there, I'm starting to think I'm staying there.

If you've been following this blog, you'll know that I've created some tenuous links between myself and the Superstars of Australian football.



Carl Valeri and I are both from Canberra. A strong link, strengthened as Carl writes weekly for http://www.nearpost.blogspot.com/.



Socceroos and Fulham FC Physio, Andrew Young, is also from Canberra. He also use to treat my wee hammies when I was a dashing striker. (Weren't we all in our day)



And of course I played against Mark Viduka. He didn't remember me. But I remembered him! Another useful but inane link to the Socceroos as I grab my photo opportunities.



But Patrick. What on earth could I discuss with Patrick Kisnorbo. Well Patrick both come from the same place.



"Patrick,(originally like 300 years ago) I'm from Burton-on-Trent in England, (he smiles) just 30 miles from Leicester(where Patrick plays). Just as grotty as Leicester,only worse." Patrick understands. You have to live there to really understand.



"First time in Bangkok?"



"It is." says Paddy.



"Different to Leicester?"



"Sure is."



"Anyway lets hope you get a move to a nicer city than Leicester....like Birmingham." We both think this is very funny.



Guess it's a Midlands joke

Kisnorbo determined to win starting place.

Socceroo Patrick Kisnorbo is determined to win his place in the Australian starting eleven.

Speaking from Singapore by teleconference Leicester City star Kisnorbo spoke of the intensive training sessions and heat the players were facing.

“I played 55 games last season and have a few weeks break, so I’m ready to go again. With Michael Beauchamp and Michael Thwaites in the squad I will have to be at my best to get into the starting eleven.”

"There was talk of me moving clubs in England, but that's forgotten about until this tournament is over. I'm just concentrating on Australia now."

“We’re training twice a day and I don’t know when the players will get a day off.”

“It’s great having Mark Viduka, Hary Kewell and Lucas Neill in camp. They are big players and we can learn so much from them.”

“We’re taking one game at a time. To be honest I don’t know too much about our opponents but I know there are plenty of good footballers in Asia.”

“We can’t underestimate any team. And they will be more used to the heat.”

“I’m mentally prepared and ready to work hard to get a spot in the starting eleven.”

Would you put Patrick Kisnorbo in the starting eleven?