Despite being a veteran of Australia’s historic appearance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, the timing of the Australian A-League season means Mile Sterjovski is no certainty for South Africa 2010 selection. After nine-years playing in Europe for the likes of Lille, Basel and Derby County, Sterjovski returned home to the warmer climes of Perth last year. However, the early finish to Australia’s domestic season, which concludes in March, is proving problematic for Sterjovski and fellow home-based Socceroo aspirants.

Several A-League players moved abroad last month in an attempt to maintain their fitness and prove their worth to Australia coach Pim Verbeek. Most notable were the moves of evergreen defender Craig Moore to Greek club Kavala, and left-sided player Dean Heffernan, who joined Huddersfield, having recently put his name into contention with some solid performances with the green and gold. Others such as Jason Culina, and Sterjovski’s Perth Glory’s team-mates, Chris Coyne and Jacob Burns, elected to continue pushing their claims on the domestic front.

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