Griffiths left frustrated by Pim

[toonarmy#9]

Joel Griffiths has challenged Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek to give him a chance to impress rather than persist in calling up youngsters he claims are not ready for international football.

Unhappy at not making Australia’s 25-man squad for the March 3 Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia at Suncorp Stadium, the Beijing Guoan striker - who on Tuesday aims to blow a hole in Melbourne Victory’s Asian Champions League hopes - is stunned that little-known rookies have jumped him and brother Ryan, Guoan’s free-scoring winger, in the national team queue.

Refusing to let his World Cup dream die, the former Johnny Warren medallist, back in Beijing on a permanent deal after a protracted split from the Newcastle Jets, can’t fathom how he is not considered worthy of being included in a squad with four uncapped players and 21 A-League-based players.

“When I look at the players getting call ups, I have to say, without being big-headed, that I am better than a lot of them," Griffiths told The World Game.

"It’s disappointing when you see some of the players who are being picked."

Griffiths, who has just two caps and was last picked for a Socceroos’ squad two years ago, is desperate to catch the attention of Verbeek between now and the World Cup.

And with nine goals in 20 games for China Super League champions Beijing while on loan last season, he can't understand why he is not in the national team picture.

“It seems the only ones not getting called up are me and Ryan. I can’t work out why," he said.

"We both have good experience and a lot to offer at that level. I think we both deserve a chance."
Griffiths is aghast that teenagers with resumes that barely rate a mention alongside his overseas experience - most notably three seasons with Swiss outfit Neuchatel Xamax - have caught Verbeek’s eye while he cools his heels in freezing Beijing.

Verbeek has handed first time call-ups to youngsters Luke DeVere (Brisbane Roar), Mathew Leckie and Michael Marrone (both Adelaide United) while 18-year-old Roar winger Tommy Oar is back for his second successive Socceroos camp.

While acknowledging Oar's potential, Griffiths believes his elevation may be premature.

“Tommy Oar is a good talent but the media have pumped him up to be the new Harry Kewell and that’s not fair on him," Griffiths said.

“In reality he’s probably had a couple of really good A-League games, and a few not so good ones. He has yet to take his game to the next level and is really just starting out and has a lot to prove.”

The midfielder-turned-striker is set to return to his roots in a deeper lying role against a Victory side he believes will suffer from the injury absences of Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse in their Group E opener at the Workers Stadium.

“That’s going to be a heavy burden for them to carry but we have the utmost respect for them because of what they’ve achieved in Australia over the years and it’s probably going to be a tight match,” he said.

Griffiths, who served a six-game ban for an errant elbow last season followed by a seven-game suspension for making a provocative gesture at fans, has put himself on a good behaviour bond against the Victory, and also for the looming domestic Chinese season.

“I missed far too many games last season through suspension and I know that’s not good enough," he explained.

"I’ll be keeping myself out of trouble from now on. But six games was harsh, I didn’t even make contact with the player, unlike Nick Mrdja (against Sydney FC’s Shannon Cole) and he’s only got two games.”

With just two friendly games under his belt since arriving back in China last month after suffering a debilitating bug, Griffiths expects to start against Victory and is pleased to have put the drama of his departure from the Jets behind him.

It took the intervention of the Professional Footballers Association, weeks of angst, and a no-play vow for him to win his freedom from the Hunter.

“It was a terrible time but I’ve moved on now and while a lot of things were written and said about me that weren’t true, I’m just happy to back in China and I’m looking forward to a big year.

"I know the World Cup is going to be a big call for me but I’m not giving up hope yet.”

[Stitch This]

“When I look at the players getting call ups, I have to say, without being big-headed, that I am better than a lot of them," Griffiths told The World Game.

"It’s disappointing when you see some of the players who are being picked."

It's always difficult to come to terms with the fact that nobody likes you

[toonarmy#9]

It's always difficult to come to terms with the fact that nobody likes you