Former Sorrento and Perth Italia defender Shaun Murphy may have come on to Socceroo scene late in his career but it didn't take him long to become a permanent fixture under current coach Frank Farina. Murphy played his part in last weeks friendly with France and is understandably keen to be involved again for the forthcoming clashes with Uruguay. Recently, he took time out to chat to Richard Kreider and to let him know how the preparations have been going before the start of 180 of the most momentous minutes in Australian soccer history.

How does it feel to be a part of one of the strongest Socceroo squads ever brought together?
Obviously, it's a great honour, especially since I came into it quite late. It was only a year or two ago at the age of 29 and I'm very glad to be a part of it. After having missed out for so long including the Terry Venables campaign and then to get a call up from Frank which I thought was just to be as a fill-in, was a pleasant surprise.

What are your thoughts of the teams performance against France?
I thought we were very disciplined. It was a funny old night because of the slippery pitch. We defended quite well and hit them on the break. I think they were restricted to a few half-chances outside the box and we tested their goalkeeper on a number of occasions. So, overall, we had the better chances and that was definitely a penalty at the end. Certainly a travesty of justice.

Were you happy with your performance?
I didn't have an awful lot to do. I just kept things organised at the back and thought we were quite solid.

Would that still rate as one of your footballing highlights?
Most definitely, along with the goal I scored against Brazil in the Confederations Cup. The last couple of games for my country have been pretty good for me.

What is your opinion of the Kevin Muscat incident?
It was a zealous tackle obviously, but I didn't think it was a bad tackle. The damage was done when they got twisted up after the tackle. With the slippery conditions it was an unfortunate incident.

Are you happy to play alongside someone like Kevin?
Kevin is a quality player. OK, he gets a rush of blood every now and then, which is what makes the player he is but I have no problems playing alongside him.

What sort of guy is Kevin away from the football arena?
He's fairly quiet although he does like a joke every now and then. Everyone makes him out to be a 'nutter' on the pitch but he's really a genuine down-to-earth guy.

Do you have any disappointing memories in football?
You always do Richard. I guess the one that stands out the most was in the English First Division play-offs with Notts County in the 1995/96 season I think it was. We played poorly that day at Wembley.

How are the boys preparing for the next two matches?
We have all been training pretty well. We're just days away from the games now and the boys are all focussed even though the pressure is going to build right up until next Tuesday. We all knew the France game was a friendly, there wasn't a lot riding on it except a good performance from each of the players because they had these matches in mind. We all realise it's a do-or-die situation and we have to get a good result here in Australia. I think the nerves will be there and obviously there is going to be a bigger crowd than there was last week. I'm sure if the conditions are right, there will be a full house at the MCG. There are many players here who were involved in the Iran 'nightmare' from four years ago and even for us who watched it on the telly - we will never forget that night in a hurry.

I think the whole world still remembers what happened against the Iranians ...
We've made a lot of people sit up and take notice of our ability over the last four years, especially with some of the results we've had. We know it will be a big occasion but we simply want to make amends for what happened. The game will definitely go through the roof here in Australia if we qualify, especially through television exposure and major sponsorships.

You would be competing for a place with Tony Popovic. What are your chances?
It's hard to say. He's back in training and I think it will be a decision that we won't find out about until tomorrow or Monday.

How's your current form at Sheffield United and how do you think the club will go this season?
On a personal level it's been quite good, but the team are at the wrong end of the table. We have been struggling to find the back of the net because there have been a few key strikers injured. But when we get these players back we should pick up and put in a late run like we did last year for the play-offs.

You turned 31 last week when would you consider returning to Australia?
I've got another year and a half at Sheffield and I've just started more talks for another year with them so I don't think it will be anytime in the near future to be honest. I'm still enjoying my football, regardless of age. I came into the game late in a professional sense at the age of 21. I still feel I've got a lot of good years left in me plus, in my position the experience comes when you are in your thirties.

Do you keep an eye on Perth Glory?
I do yes, and I believe they are doing very well. Five out of five so far this season is pretty good. Perth is my home, that's where I will eventually settle down and hopefully I can put in a couple of years with Perth Glory if they'll have me. Stan Lazaridis and I have actually been talking about where we will be in our final years and maybe a gig at Perth Glory. It will be good to give something back to the game where you started. You have got to do it well though, not just come back and treat it as some sort of paid holiday.