Qantas Socceroos

A hard–working midfielder who performs the dirty work for the midfield, closing opposing players down and mopping up stray passes.

He blossomed with Empoli in the Serie A and upon their relegation in 2004 was signed by Parma where he was reunited with his good mate and fellow Qantas Socceroo Mark Bresciano.

He had to wait patiently to become a regular starter for the national team, but with two solid performances against Uruguay in the successful final World Cup play–offs he virtually secured his spot in the Australian first eleven for Germany 2006.

During the finals, performed superbly in all matches, enhacing his reputation as one of the better defensive midfielders in Europe. Also earned him the captaincy at Parma, but his ambition to be part of a top club side, saw him move to Torino.

Asian Cup finals will not be his fondest memory, with the stifling weather conditions have an impact on his all-action game. However he remains an important cog in the Australian midfield and is among the first picked in any Australian side.

Surprised many with his move to Blackburn Rovers at the start of the 2008/09 season after many years in Italy. Injuries stymied his first two seasons, although he showed enough to Blackburn fans that he will be an important player for them, as he is with Australia.