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      Ange Postecoglou set to raid former club Celtic as Tottenham boss sends top spy on secret four-day mission to Scotland

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU sent Tottenham’s top spy Ian Broomfield to Scotland on a four-day scouting mission.The Spurs boss wants an up-to-date dossier on talent north of the border, where he dominated with Celtic.
      Ange Postecoglou is checking on transfer targetsCredit: Reuters
      Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi has been watched by Tottenham’s scoutsCredit: SNS
      Slobodan Rubezic is also on Spurs’ radarCredit: Rex
      Postecoglou is happy for his scouting staff to check on players he fancies — including some at his old club.
      Broomfield saw Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi fire a rare blank and also took in games featuring Aberdeen, Rangers and Hearts.
      Dons’ Slobodan Rubezic caught the eye and the Montenegro centre-half is making an impact in his first SPFL season. 
      Furuhashi has been explosive for the Scottish side since joining from Vissel Kobel.
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      Celtic paid a bargain £4.5million to secure his services in 2021.
      Across three seasons, he has plundered 61 goals in just 98 games.
      While Rubezic was signed in July for an undisclosed fee, he has appeared uncompromising in his seven league games for the club.
      Spurs have enjoyed a dream start under new Postecoglou.
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      The club are unbeaten and still sit top of the table.
      Tottenham take on Chelsea on Monday, looking to go back top after Man City’s 6-1 win on Saturday took them above their rivals. More

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      Teenage girl ‘sexually assaulted’ during Rangers fans’ pyro mayhem at Dundee shame game

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      COPS are probing claims a teen girl was the victim of a sickening sex attack at the pyro-hit Dundee v Rangers game, we can reveal.Officers were alerted after the 13-year-old was allegedly targeted at Dens Park when Gers fans ignited dozens of flares at Wednesday night’s fixture.
      Cops are probing claims a teen girl was the victim of a sex attack at the pyro-hit Dundee v Rangers gameCredit: Willie Vass
      The display caused the match to be suspended for 18 minutesCredit: Steve Welsh/PA Wire
      It’s understood the alleged incident happened in the Bob Shankly Stand where yobs sparked fury with a ‘wall-of-fire’ display.
      Referee Kevin Clancy was forced to halt play for 18 minutes as smoke engulfed the away end during Gers’ 5-0 win over Dundee.
      And cops have now confirmed a probe has been launched into a claims of an alleged sexual assault on a child.
      A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are carrying out enquiries following an allegation of sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl which happened at Dens Park in Dundee on Wednesday.”

      A spokesman for the Dens Park club added: “Dundee FC can confirm we are aware of an incident which took place in the Bob Shankly stand during Wednesday’s match against Rangers.
      “The club are fully supporting the police investigation and the club’s child welfare and protection officer is supporting the situation.
      “As this is an ongoing police investigation the club will be making no further comment.”
      We told how SPFL chiefs blasted the Rangers pyro louts – as cops warned it’s a matter of time before a fan is seriously hurt.
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      The chaotic scenes triggered fire alarms and ramped up worries the stand could catch fire as around 70 flares were ignited by a travelling support.
      Later this month the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the Football Safety Officers’ Association will meet to discuss the increasing prevalence of flares.
      Yesterday at a press conference, Rangers boss Philippe Clement said: “The pyro we don’t need. It doesn’t give something extra. It is dangerous.”
      In a statement issued after Wednesday’s clash, an SPFL spokesman said the growing use of pyros was “concerning and unwelcome”.
      Police Scotland Superintendent Iain Wales added: “Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous.”
      A Dundee spokesperson branded the scenes “unacceptable” and added: “Despite robust practice by all clubs in the SPFL and the SFA at Hampden, flares, offensive banners and singing of sectarian songs continue to be a problem all across our game in Scottish football.
      “As we are working with the authorities we are unable to comment on the situation at this time.
      “The club will comment further once the ongoing investigation has taken place and concluded.”
      Police instruct referee Kevin Clancy to take players off field after the displayCredit: WILLIE VASS
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      Celtic and Hibs legend Scott Brown ‘considering stunning retirement U-turn’ for League Two side

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      SCOTT BROWN is reportedly considering a shock PLAYING return – despite the fact he hasn’t taken part in a competitive match for 18 months.The Celtic and Hibs hero was sacked as manager of Fleetwood Town in September after a poor run of form at the start of the current campaign.
      Scott Brown took in Hibs vs Celtic at the weekendCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Brown, 38, last played a game way back in March 2022 after leaving his role as player-coach at Aberdeen, in order to focus on becoming a manager full-time.
      He officially hung up his boots on May 6 last year and was appointed boss of Fleetwood Town less than a week later.
      His lone full season with the Cods saw them consolidate their position in League One with a 15th-placed finish and Brown also led them into the fourth (and fifth) rounds of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
      Former Scotland skipper Brown was linked with the Cheltenham Town job a few weeks ago and more recently, put forward as a candidate who’d be interested in the vacancy at St Johnstone.

      But in a surprise twist, he could pull his socks back up once again as a player – in the fourth tier of Scottish football.
      He recently took part in Hibs’ legend David Gray’s testimonial, leaving fans begging for him to come out of retirement.
      And they may just get their wish, with Brown having been training with Edinburgh-based League Two outfit The Spartans, according to the Scotsman.
      Brown’s son is part of the club’s youth programme and while it’s understood he has made it clear his priority for the future is management, he is said to be ‘feeling out’ whether a return to playing could work out.
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      He trained with the Ainslie Park side last night.
      The former midfield maestro recently conducted the Scottish Cup draw and Brown said himself of his time at Fleetwood and future plans: “It was great to for myself and Steven [Whittaker] to go down to England and get a great understanding.
      “We enjoyed it, we had some great times last season, not so many this season but we all bounce back.
      “I’m getting itchy feet now. It’s been good to have some family time and see the kids growing up. I’ve been away the past couple of years.
      “But now it’s getting back to the stage where I’m looking to get back into that routine.”
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      K-pop band STAYC in major wardrobe malfunction as girl group wear retro Rangers kit for Dallas gig

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      A K-POP band was left red-faced after an embarrassing outfit gaffe.That’s after accidentally donning Glasgow Rangers tops while performing in Texas.
      K-pop group Stayc had a wardrobe gaffe as they wore Glasgow Rangers shirts in Dallas, TexasCredit: StayC
      STAYC are one of the top K-pop bands around, having formed in 2020.
      The six-piece are on a jam-packed world tour after finding success in South Korea and Japan.
      And their latest show saw the band play to a huge crowd in Dallas.
      However, STAYC left fans confused when they took to the stage wearing the famous blue shirts of Scottish football side Rangers.
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      The band danced and performed in the chic jerseys, which were tucked into denim skirts.
      But audience members quickly put two-and-two together.
      The local team in Dallas are baseball kings Texas Rangers.
      And STAYC had managed to mix them the teams up, despite playing entirely different sports.
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      STAYC were meant to wear the shirts of baseball team Texas RangersCredit: AP
      The shirt was worn by Rangers during the 1996/97 seasonCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow
      They wore Rangers’ famous 1996/97 strip, when they won the Scottish title and League Cup under Walter Smith.
      Fans found the whole situation hilarious though.
      One said: “The spirit of Spinal Tap lives on in 2023.”
      Another declared: “A lesson in why double-checking the details is important.”
      One noted: “Lmaooooo I am howling.”
      Another added: “Maybe they just love vintage Brian Laudrup headers.” More

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      Full list of Storm Babet postponements as SIX Scottish football matches called OFF including two Premiership clashes

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      STORM BABET has hit Scotland – causing severe disruption to roads and public services across the country, and sadly also fatalities.And now no fewer than SIX clashes are off amid scenes which have left thousands of Scots without power.
      Aerial views of Brechin in Angus after the River South Esk burst its banksCredit: Alamy
      Cars have been left stranded as the flooding causes chaos in areas of ScotlandCredit: PA
      Aberdeen’s Premiership clash with Dundee, scheduled for Saturday night, is the highest profile casualty of the storm, with damage and flooding in two of the Pittodrie stands.
      St Johnstone’s meeting with Motherwell is also off, despite reports earlier in the day from both clubs that the match WASN’T in doubt.
      In the lower divisions, Arbroath vs Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers vs Montrose are both off.
      So too is Elgin City v Forfar and Stenhousemuir vs Peterhead.

      An SPFL statement read: “The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed that several games scheduled for this weekend have been postponed following significant weather warnings for much of the country.
      “The SPFL has been in discussions with clubs, Police Scotland and relevant authorities on the developing situation and after the red weather warning issued for Tayside, Aberdeenshire and Angus earlier today, it has postponed matches in the interests of safety. ”
      Calum Beattie, SPFL chief operating officer, said: “We have been in close contact with Police Scotland and our clubs and it’s clear that we continue to face very severe weather, particularly in the North East, in the coming days.
      “We never postpone any matches lightly, but our discussions with the emergency services left us in no doubt that this was the correct decision.”
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      An Aberdeen statement read: “The SPFL and Police Scotland have confirmed Saturday’s SPFL Premiership match against Dundee at Pittodrie has been postponed.
      “Much of the Scottish east coast has been ravaged by Storm Babet, leading to significant damage, disruption and, tragically, loss of life.
      “Pittodrie itself has not been immune, with both wind damage and flooding sustained in both the Richard Donald and Main Stands.
      “With the United Kingdom MET Office having updated its weather warning status to red for large parts of the northeast on Saturday, the most severe threat level which includes a risk to life, Police Scotland and the SPFL have postponed the fixture, along with five others, to a future date.”
      Chief Executive Alan Burrows said: “Given the current awful weather and the updated warnings now in place for Saturday, and the associated risk that would pose to the players, staff, and supporters of both clubs, postponing this match to a later date was the only sensible and logical step.
      “It goes without saying that we would ask everyone to heed the current warnings and advice and stay safe until the worst of the weather has passed.”
      The date and kick-off time of the rearranged match will be confirmed in due course.
      Road closures and cancellations to ScotRail services will make it difficult for players and fans to travel to games.
      Scots were urged to stay at home as a matter of course on Friday.
      The worst of the weather will affect the north and east of Scotland, in particular the areas of Angus and Aberdeenshire.
      In the town of Brechin in Angus there has been tragic flooding, with Met Office red weather warning for rain issued for the area.
      Full list of postponements (as of 3pm Friday 20 October)
      cinch PremiershipAberdeen v DundeeSt Johnstone v Motherwell
      cinch ChampionshipArbroath v Raith Rovers
      cinch League 1Cove Rangers v Montrose
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      cinch League 2Elgin City v Forfar AthleticStenhousemuir v Peterhead
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      I won just one England cap but no one knows I’m cousins with Newcastle’s Longstaff brothers

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      ALAN THOMPSON earned his one and only England cap in a friendly against Sweden.And now nearly 20 years on, his cousin is lighting up English football.
      Alan Thompson, centre, made his one and only England appearance in 2004 – in the same game as Jermain Defoe’s debutCredit: PA:Press Association
      His cousin David is the dad of Matty and Sean LongstaffCredit: Getty
      But very few people realise that Sean Longstaff – and brother Matty – are related to the former Bolton, Aston Villa and Celtic star.
      Thompson, 49, came through the youth academy at boyhood club Newcastle, going professional in 1991.
      But after two seasons in the first team and 20 appearances, he moved to Bolton where he scored in the 1995 League Cup final defeat to Liverpool.
      He twice helped the Trotters win promotion into the Premier League at Burnden Park but had his longest spell with Celtic from 2000 to 2007.
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      During his time north of the border, Thompson won eight trophies including four league titles.
      He also helped the club reach the Uefa Cup final in 2003 and even scored the winner to knock Barcelona out in the following season.
      And it was in the same month that the former youth international earned his solo Three Lions cap, becoming the first Celtic player to represent England.
      Sven-Goran Eriksson called up the midfielder and started him alongside Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves and Nicky Butt in England’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Sweden in March 2004.
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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the only goal of the game on 54 minutes, six minutes before Thompson was subbed off.
      The game was also Jermain Defoe’s first cap – and Gareth Southgate’s last.
      But while Thompson’s team-mates that day – including John Terry and Wayne Rooney – would go on to represent England at multiple World Cups and Euros, that was the end of his international career.
      He finished his playing days with spells at Leeds and Hartlepool, retiring in 2008.
      Thompson worked as an academy coach at Newcastle then linked up with former team-mate Neil Lennon as an assistant at Celtic – before the pair fell out in a bitter spat.
      The former Birmingham, Blackpool and Bury coach is back on speaking terms with Lennon again now – but has not stepped back into football since 2017.
      But the family still has plenty of interest in the beautiful game, thanks to Thompson’s relatives.
      The ex-England man is cousins with David Longstaff, a former British ice hockey star who is the dad of Sean and Matty.
      Sean, 25, scored for his boyhood club Newcastle in the Champions League while younger brother Matty is currently a free agent after his release in the summer.
      Thompson came through the Newcastle academyCredit: Getty
      Thompson enjoyed seven successful years at Celtic and later returned as a coachCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Three Lions lost 1-0 away to Sweden in his only capCredit: Reuters
      Longstaff scored against PSG in the Champions League at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More

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      Rangers CONFIRM new manager as Philippe Clement takes over Ibrox hot seat

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      PHILIPPE CLEMENT has been appointed the new manager of Rangers.The former Club Brugge and AS Monaco boss, 49, succeeds Michael Beale in the role after the Englishman was sacked last month.
      Philippe Clement has been announced as the new Rangers managerCredit: Alamy
      SunSport revealed earlier this morning that Clement had won the race to become the new Rangers manager.
      He’s signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Ibrox running until 2027.
      Speaking for the first time following his appointment, Clement said: Clement said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the new manager of Rangers Football Club and I’d like to thank the board for giving me this opportunity.
      “I am hugely excited by this chance to achieve success at one of Europe’s most iconic clubs across four competitions in what remains of this season and beyond.

      “I am looking forward to meeting with the players in the coming days and to meeting our supporters at next Saturday’s home match with Hibernian, as we set out together to create a successful, winning Rangers.”
      Clement’s his first game in charge will be that home clash with Hibs on October 21, with the Gers returning from the international break seven points behind Celtic.
      We revealed how the Belgian had emerged as the leading candidate on Monday night after impressing the board during the interview process.
      Speaking on the process for the first time, Rangers chairman John Bennett explained why Clement had become the “outstanding” candidate.
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      He said: “I would like to offer my warm congratulations to Philippe as he becomes our 19th manager.
      “His appointment comes at the end of a carefully planned and comprehensive recruitment process. A team led by our CEO James Bisgrove, members of the board, and former Rangers player and manager Graeme Souness, has spent the last 10 days interviewing several high calibre candidates, with those individuals undergoing a rigorous interview and vetting process. We thank all candidates for their interest in the position.
      “Philippe proved to be the outstanding candidate across all the key criteria, reinforced by his track record of winning titles and I wish him every success as he leads us forward.”
      Clement, a defender in his playing days, led Genk to the Belgian Pro League title in 2018/19 before taking the job at Club Brugge.
      He won two successive league championships with the Belgian giants and lifted the Super Cup in 2021.
      Monaco came calling midway through the 2021/22 season and he oversaw a turnaround in results to propel Les Monégasques to third in Ligue 1, going unbeaten in their final ten league games (a period of two months).
      His second season in the municipality didn’t go well though as Monaco missed out on European football for the following campaign by finishing sixth in the league.
      They also crashed out of the Coupe de France at the first hurdle, failed to qualify for the Champions League and were eliminated at the first knockout stage if the Europa League.
      In his playing days, Clement turned out for K Beerschot, Genk, Coventry City, Club Brugge and Germinal Beerschot and earned 38 caps for his country.
      As a manager he won several coach of the year awards in Belgium.
      His playing style relies heavily on width from full-backs and with Rangers known for their use of James Tavernier as an attacking threat in particular, it’s a way of playing that could match up well.
      Defensively he likes his teams to sit high, another factor that could bode well for Gers particularity in Scotland as they look to compress opponents into their own half.
      Earlier in the process Ibrox chiefs ruled out Scott Parker but Kevin Muscat remained in the running, vowing to quit Yokohama F. Marinos should he be offered a return to where he won a treble in 2002/03.
      Muscat, 50, had been the favourite to succeed Beale from early on but doubts emerged as to when he’d be able to take over given his contract runs until December and the Japanese title race was in full swing.
      Gers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, a compatriot of Clement, gave a ringing endorsement of the manager prior to the appointment.
      He said: “I don’t know him personally, but he did very well with the teams he had in Belgium.
      “And he also did incredibly well at Monaco, so let’s see what happens in the future.
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      “Would he be a good fit here? Yes, I think he’d bring some clarity and an attacking style. So I think he’d be good.”
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      I was born and bred north of the border and can’t wait to take on the Auld Enemy… for Australia

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      CAMERON BURGESS will lead a tartan invasion of Wembley with Australia.The Ipswich defender is one of SEVEN players who either was born or currently playing north of Hadrian’s Wall in their squad that will take on England.
      Australian star Cameron Burgess is one of seven Scots in the squad to face England
      And he says that adds extra spice to the friendly as Scots will be cheering on the Socceroos against the Auld Enemy.
      Burgess, 27, Hibernian’s Martin Boyle, 30, and Leicester’s Harry Souttar, 24, are all defenders who herald from Aberdeen.
      Celtic midfielder Jackson Irvine, 30, has Scottish heritage through his dad Steve, who was also born in Aberdeen.
      While Hibernian defender Lewis Miller, 23, Hearts defender Kye Rowles, 25, and St Mirren winger Ryan Strain, 26, are all plying their trade in the SPL too.
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      And Tractors Boys ace Burgess told SunSport: “There are so many of us who have strong Scottish links so lots of people north of the border are going to be rooting for us against England.
      “I’ve only been to Wembley once previously and that was to cheer on Scotland against England in the Euros in 2021 when it was a 0-0 draw. It was a lively evening with a great atmosphere.
      “I missed out on the chance of playing there when I was at Salford City. We made the Papa John’s Trophy final in 2020 but then Covid came along. The game was postponed and by the time it was eventually played I had left the club.
      “So, to play against England at Wembley, is going to be a special occasion — especially with my Scottish roots.”
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      Leicester City’s Harry Souttar is up against the Three Lions at Wembley
      Hibernian ace Martin Boyle is another of the Tartan brigade in the Aussie ranks
      Burgess lived in Scotland until he was 11 and always destined to become a footballer.
      For his dad Stuart was a pro footballer who played for Albion Rovers, East Fife, Falkirk, Kilmarnock and East Fife in a career that spanned the 1980s and early 1990s.
      And his grandfather Campbell played as a keeper for St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Southampton in the Sixties — and won the Scottish league title with Kilmarnock in 1965 as well as earning four Scotland caps.
      Burgess — who played youth football for Celtic — emigrated to Australia with his family when mum Lindsay got a job in Perth.
      The Ipswich ace said: “My mum was working for a gas company in Aberdeen and it was the same firm in Australia so it was an opportunity for her to move out there with work. 
      It was right to commit to Australia because of what they did for me when I moved there. I’m glad I’ve done it.Cameron Burgess
      “Obviously leaving my friends behind was upsetting but going to Perth felt like a big holiday. 
      “Then I’m suddenly going to school there and you think, ‘Right, we’ve actually moved here.’
      “Australia is a totally different place. We moved out before the summer began so it was hot. 
      “You kind of get into the swing of things quickly as a kid, adapt, get on with it. 
      “I’ve a lot of close friends that I grew up with from early on. I’ve lots of happy memories.”
      Jackson Irvine has Scottish heritage with his dad coming from Aberdeen
      Lewis Miller is flying the flag for Scotland playing for Australia against England
      Kye Rowles is a rock for Hearts in the SPL
      Aussie star Ryan Strain is strutting his stuff at St Mirren
      Burgess played youth football for ECU Joondalup — now known at Perth Red Star — a junior club with a track record of developing talent. 
      The likes of former Australian ace Rhys Williams, who played in the Premier League for Middlesbrough; Bolton’s Jack Iredale, Charlton’s Ash Maynard-Brewer and former Portsmouth, Rotherham and Barnsley’s Ryan Williams all came through the ranks.
      And it was while he was there that he was invited for a trial in the UK with Fulham and got signed by the Cottagers when he was 16.
      Burgess went on to play in a team that won the Premier League Under-18s that included Fulham keeper Marek Rodak, Moussa Dembele who went on to play for Celtic and Lyon, Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts and Emerson Hyndman who broke into the US national side.
      Ironically, the Ipswich defender made his senior debut for the Cottagers at Portman Road nine years ago.
      He said: “It was the first game Fulham played after being relegated from the Premier League. 
      “Felix Magath was manager and there was a group of young lads who managed to get training with the first team, trying to grab the opportunity with both hands really. 
      “He picked me and I was up against Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick. I played in front of the back four at the base of a diamond alongside Hyndman and Scott Parker.”
      Burgess only managed four outings for Fulham and got loaned out to Ross County, Cheltenham, Oldham and Bury before moving to Scunthorpe where he reached the League One play-offs in 2018 only to suffer relegation the following season.
      After a loan at Salford, he had a season at Accrington before being snapped up by Ipswich, who won promotion to the Championship last season and are now eyeing Premier League football.
      Burgess made his Australia debut in a friendly last month against Mexico in Dallas, Texas — a match that saw him give away a penalty in a 2-2 draw.
      The defender said: “I felt it was right to commit to Australia because of what they did for me when I moved there. I’m glad I’ve done it.
      “I always knew I could get a call-up from Australia and make my senior debut. It was a case of working hard at Ipswich, doing the right thing and it’s the reward for that. 
      “The Mexico game was a great experience. We played in the Dallas Cowboys stadium, full of Mexican fans because it’s close to being a home game for them. The penalty was a soft one though!”
      Australian football has never been in better health. The Socceroos enjoyed their best World Cup campaign last year — beating Tunisia and Denmark in the group stage before narrowly losing 2-1 to eventual winners Argentina in the last 16.
      And Tottenham’s appointment in the summer of Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou was also a huge deal for football Down Under.
      Burgess said: “I’ve come across him a couple of times in the junior Australia camps and he has a good presence. 
      “I’ve kept an eye on how he’s been doing and it’s not a surprise he’s now at Tottenham.
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      “My Ipswich and Australia team-mate Massimo Luongo played for him and always speaks highly of him. Everyone knew what a good coach he already was just by winning things back in Australia. 
      “I remember when I was growing up, I used to watch his teams and obviously what he’s done since then with the national team, out in Japan and with Celtic it shows how good he is — and it’s great for Australian football.” More