Mark Bresciano has expressed his gratitude towards Australian national team boss Ange Postecoglou.
The 34-year old midfielder has been named vice-captain of the Socceroos squad for the World Cup in Brazil which comes after his temporary expulsion from the game in the wake of his 2012 move from Al-Nasr to Al-Gharafa.
Late last year, the former Parma, Palermo and Lazio man was unsure if he would even be cleared to compete at the World Cup so was delighted to be appointed in the leadership group behind captain Mile Jedinak and alongside fellow vice skipper Tim Cahill.
"I'd like to thank the coach for giving me this opportunity to still be part of the team and to be one of the leaders of the team," Bresciano told reporters.
"That was my major concern back then when the suspension did come, (when) I realised how long the suspension was for.
"That was first thing in my mind to see what position I would be in leading up to the World Cup and if the coach would still consider select me having not played for the whole season."
Bresciano has played less than ten competitive matches in 2014 but insists that he is at peak fitness heading into world football's most prestigious tournament.
"I feel good," he added.
"I've been back playing, finished the season. We had cup games after the league. Not sure how many games I've played. Probably six or seven.
"I've got my match fitness back. I'm in good condition."
