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Adelaide's Salley chasing Australia call-up

Ivory Coast-born Salley is eyeing the defensive midfielder's spot held by Vince Grella, the Torino midfielder, and told the Adelaide Advertiser: "Definitely, he's (Grella) a very good player but I want to put my hand up for the Socceroos now.

"One thing for me is to play for the Socceroos first.

"We're in 2008 now . . . in two years (the World Cup) hopefully yeah."

Salley has not yet fielded any calls from Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek but he is hoping he will at least be considered.

"I'm an Australian citizen from now," he said. "We'll see what's going to happen.

"I want to perform good and at least do my best for the coach.

"I believe in myself."

Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar said Salley could play for Australia if he ironed out the rough edges.

"He's got certain aspects of his game which are fantastic. But he's got certain aspects of his game which need improvement," Vidmar said. "He certainly knows what those are.

"He's someone who gives his heart and soul every time he goes out onto the park.

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