MASSIMO Luongo hopes the ringing endorsement from an international colleague will translate into more time on the pitch for the Australian national side.

Town midfielder Luongo was a second-half substitute in the Socceroos’ 2-0 friendly defeat by Belgium last Thursday, but earned the plaudits from former Serie A star Mark Bresciano, the man he replaced.

Sydney-born Luongo, who turns 22 later this month, agrees his time with Australia has already improved him as a player, but is now targeting more game time, starting with tonight’s friendly against Saudi Arabia at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.

Of Bresciano’s endorsement, the twice-capped Town man told socceroos.com.au: “It’s nice to hear. I’ve only made two appearances, but to come on for Bresc, those are massive boots to fill.

“Watching him, you can never see a cooler guy than Bresc, you just see that class is permanent.

“There’s lots of stuff still to add to my game, but if I can take a few bits from him and the other boys as well (that’d be good).

“I didn’t get a run in the World Cup and hadn’t played since the Ecuador game (in March). I feel like I’m just training normally, but it’s evident when I go back to Swindon that I’ve come a long way since the end of the (last) season.

“That’s where I feel it. I take a lot of things from the things we (Australia) do in training and it just feels more natural on the pitch.’’ After matching up against World Cup quarter finalists Belgium last week, Luongo and co will be looking to boost their preparations for the forthcoming Asian Cup against Saudi Arabia tonight.

“It (Belgium) was a good experience and for all of us a good learning curve because they are a quality side and it was good to measure up against one of the best in the world,’’ he added.

“For us to compete, we have to be on it 100 per cent every single game and it’s not easy to do, but it’s the only way we can to rival up against those teams.

“Against Belgium, there were a lot of positives to take into the next game.

“It’s really important for our confidence. We’ve played the top teams already and if we can take what we do in training and put it in, it’s probably the best preparation going into the Asian Cup.’’

  • SWINDON Town Ladies were 3-0 winners at Chichester City in FA Premier League South West Division One yesterday.