Matildas captain Sam Kerr has loved gaining a “new perspective” from the bench as she prepares to make her much-needed comeback from a calf damage in Australia’s crunch FIFA Women’s World Cup conflict in opposition to Canada in Melbourne on Monday night time.
After lacking Australia’s first two video games of the event, together with Thursday’s shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria in Brisbane, Kerr stated she was “definitely available” for the Matildas’ date with the Olympic champions.
“I feel good … as good as I can be,” she stated after donning the boots at coaching on Saturday.
“The plan has always been the same – miss the first two games and reassess.
“I’m going to be there. I’m going to be ready.”
However, Kerr wouldn’t reveal how a lot of an element she would play in Monday’s match.
“I would love to tell you guys everything but … that’s a massive thing that the opposition wants to know,” she stated.
“I’m definitely going to be available but how we decide to use that is not to be given to the opposition.”
Kerr stated she had overcome the preliminary “shock” of struggling the damage solely the day earlier than Australia’s opening match of the World Cup. a 1-0 win over Ireland on July 20 on Sydney.
”I nonetheless had hope. I’ve by no means had an damage like this to my profession,” she stated.
“Normally when I’ve been injured it’s been a big one where I’ve been out for months on end. It’s an easy pill to swallow, but these (smaller) ones are a bit more annoying.
“It was obviously disappointing, and then I had to suck it up. I’m part of a team. I’m not part of an individual sport. It’s not about me. I’ve had to put the team first.
“I’ve been lucky enough over the last couple of years (that) I’ve always been on the pitch for this team, and I’ve always had teammates that have not been on the pitch and supported me and got me over the line.
“That’s been my role the last 10 days and to be honest, it’s an honour to be here.
“I feel really lucky and privileged to be here, so the most important thing is that I’m a good teammate, and I support my team.”
Kerr stated she was “much more nervous” sitting on the bench than enjoying.
“I’m not a good bench-sitter. Obviously the Ireland game was really enjoyable, and then the Nigeria game was actually quite good, and then it just flipped – but that’s sport.
“I have to do what I can to help the team win, so I’ve enjoyed being on the other side and realising how important it is, the role you play from the bench.
“If anything, it’s given me a new perspective on this whole team sport and it takes a whole team.
“It’s been it’s been really enjoyable other, than the fact that I can’t play.”
Kerr was “really confident” the Matildas would beat Canada to ensure themselves a spot within the round-of-16.
”(Friday) was a day to digest the sport (in opposition to Nigeria) and undergo it, however at this time (Saturday) we awakened with a spring in our step. Everyone’s feeling actually good.” she stated.
Originally printed as Sam Kerr says she able to play for the Matildas in Monday night time’s essential World Cup conflict in opposition to Canada
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
