Former Japan coach Troussier heavily interested in Australia job

Former Japan, Qatar, Ivory Coast and Morocco coach Philippe Troussier has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Australia position.

The 55-year old Frenchman, who has also overseen Nigeria, Burkina Faso, South Africa and French club Marseille, has already been heavily linked with the Socceroos post but has reiterated his desire to take the job.

“Of course I am interested," Troussier told NineMSN.

"Two or so years ago, I was contacted by the federation. I went to Sydney for an interview but they decided to go with Pim Verbeek. Now, I am free. I have been working on a project helping football develop in Okinawa but the challenge of working with the Australian national team is attractive.

"I have coached at two World Cups, one Asian Cup and one African Nations Cup. I was at the 1999 World Youth Cup with Japan when we reached the final against Spain and I also led the team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I have more than 200 international games as a coach.

"I am used to working overseas. I can be a strong candidate and I would like to present the Australian federation with my philosophy and plans."

If successful in getting the Aussie role, Troussier has already targeted that 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar as his first success.

"Australia needs to win the 2011 Asian Cup. I know that some of the players will retire from the team next year or so. It is important to win a title in Asia,” he added.

"The most important is to field the strongest line-up possible for the Asian Cup and it doesn't matter if the players are old or young. The best team is made up of the best players. If the best player is 40, he should play.”