Tony Popovic's appointment as Socceroos coach has given players on the periphery a new lease on life and hope they can charge into the international spotlight. And his former Melbourne Victory charges are adamant the experienced mentor has what it takes to succeed.

Football Australia has appointed former Asian Champions League winning manager Tony Popovic as the new head coach of the Australian men’s team until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Former Crystal Palace defender Tony Popovic insisted Monday there was plenty of time to rescue Australia's faltering World Cup qualifying campaign after he was appointed the Socceroos' new coach.