Sabkush Sports :Emerton: Golden oldies may carry on

Sabkush Sports :Emerton: Golden oldies may carry onEmerton: Golden oldies may carry on

The desire to win some silverware will drive Australia on into Januarys Asian Cup according to Brett Emerton, who expects many of his Socceroo team-mates in the over-30 age bracket to play on after the encouraging conclusion to the FIFA World Cupâ„¢ campaign. Australia might have been eliminated at the group stage of the tournament in South Africa, but Emerton feels the gritty 1-1 draw against Ghana and the impressive 2-1 victory over Serbia will encourage those thinking of quitting to stay on until at least the tournament in Qatar. "I think a lot of the players havent made their minds up as to what they are going to do after the World Cup. Its going to be an interesting few months after this World Cup with the upcoming internationals to see what players decide to do. In the last two games we have shown we are not that old after all, we can still go out and mix it with the best and weve shown with our energy levels that theres still plenty of run left in those boys legs," Emerton said. Emerton, 31, does not see the end of his international career on the horizon, saying he wants to play for Australia as long as possible and guide the next generation of Socceroos. "Im sure there will be a few boys who will call it a day. Myself, personally, Id like to continue to play on as long as Im being selected for the Australian team. Hopefully I can guide some of the youngsters and help them become good international players," he added. Emerton refused to say whether he wanted to make it all the way to Brazil 2014, should Australia qualify, but said the Asian Cup was high on the players agenda. "Its a good tournament and we want to win trophies as a national team, thats something this team is yet to do. Weve achieved a lot, but if we went to the Asian Cup and won a trophy it would be the icing on the cake," he said. Emerton admitted the 4-0 opening loss to Germany had all but ruined Australias hopes of qualifying. "Its disappointing not to have progressed, but we did all we could against Serbia. Its a fantastic result in the end, but the first game we conceded too many goals and thats hurt us," he said. "After the Germany game, we were hurting. In the last two games weve put in two good performances, firstly against Ghana with ten men and then winning against Serbia. Unfortunately we dont progress but at least we can walk away with our heads held high. Hopefully weve given the Australian public something to cheer about. The Australian public have been fantastic in all three matches. This is why you play international football for an atmosphere like that."