Schwarzer declares Mooy Australia’s ‘main man’

Mark Schwarzer believes Huddersfield Town’s Aaron Mooy can cope with the pressures of club and country.

The midfielder won a plethora of awards and plaudits after his season-long loan with the club ended in top-flight promotion via a Wembley Play-Off final last May.

And since making the move from Manchester City permanently in the summer, the 27-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the Premier League - including scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Manchester United last weekend.

“He’s done really well,” said ex-Socceroos stopper Schwarzer. “The step-up to the Premier League is huge and he’s got the added factor or travelling all over the world with the Australian national team at such a crucial time.

“There were always high hopes for him when he was in the A-League before Manchester City signed him.

“Huddersfield Town obviously got a chance to see him in the Championship last season and he was instrumental in their Premier League promotion.

“He’s a very good player, a very clever player – technically a very gifted player with a great knowledge of the game.

“His reading of it is probably one of his biggest strengths.”

Internationally, Mooy is just as crucial for Australia’s as the nation bids to seal a fourth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.

Standing in their way is a gruelling two-legged Play-Off against Honduras in San Pedro Sula (November 10) and Sydney (November 15) to book a place in Russia next summer.

It’s something Schwarzer acknowledges is likely to be tough on the player but believes it is nothing he can’t handle.

“Certainly it’s going to take it’s toll – not only does he have the hustle and bustle of the league but travelling away with the national team as well,” Schwarzer said.

“Aaron Mooy is the main man for Australia – he didn’t start the last game against Syria which was a huge surprise for all of us but the minute he came on he had an impact.

“He took hold of the reigns and everything Australia creates going forward goes through Aaron and the players look to him to be a leader on the pitch.

“It’s vitally important he stays fit and does well for Huddersfield Town and that he’s fit and raring to go for the World Cup double-header.

“The jet lag will probably be the biggest issue with fatigue playing a part – as an outfield player it’s certainly more strenuous than as a goalkeeper.

“But he’s a professional – ultra fit, knows his body and how to look after himself.

“He knows what it means and takes to travel all around the world in a short period of time so I think he’ll cope with it well.”