Archie Thompson has blasted critics who suggested he was finished at international level.
The 33-year old Melbourne Victory headed home a late winner after coming off the bench in Australia's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Iraq in Doha Wednesday morning to make it three goals in his past three internationals.
Thompson was over the moon after the game, telling Fox Sports that he still felt he had a lot to offer to the Socceroos setup with this latest goal vindicating Holger Osieck's decision to select him.
"Who keeps telling me I'm old? Who keeps telling me I shouldn't be in the Socceroos?" said Thompson.
"Who keeps telling us boys shouldn't be part of the Socceroos? That's what it is, it's team spirit and fighting spirit.
"Maybe we've been lacking a little bit in the last game but hopefully this will shut a few mouths."
Thompson's 24th international goal, after Tim Cahill's leveller, allowed the Socceroos to go second on the Group B table in Asian qualifying, five points behind runaway leaders Japan, and equal with Oman who sit third on goal difference.
