It was suggested on the message board last week that I rename my column the 'Weekly Sterjovski whinge'. Although 'WSW' is a catchy title, I would much prefer 'Weekly Sterjovski Worship'.

Sadly, only one week later this very good idea bites the dust. Try as I did to think of something to launch the new title, I found I have nothing to whinge about.

Last weekend Paul Jewell gave Mile a place on the bench and was unlucky Roy Carroll’s deft Kung Fu like goalkeeping earned a red card. The resulting goalkeeper swap near certainly cost the Aussie a substitute appearance.

Mile was quoted in the DET on Friday saying “"Everybody would like to play football but at the moment I'm in a difficult situation. I've spoken to the coach at Derby and he's assured me that I'm in his plans and an important player in the team - and that it won't be long until I start playing again”. “I have confidence in my ability and I know I'm a good player. My time will come."

If my fellow Aussie is feeling that confident about things, then so am I. Very happy… no whinge…not this week anyway.

What would I have to whinge about anyway? I have recently moved to the ‘Sunshine State’ of Brisbane. It’s summer here nearly 12 months of the year and there is more things going on than in one of Dean Leacock's headbands. Of those happenings there is a plethora (a word for ‘three amigos’ fans) of football action in the next week that will more than make up for a week with no Rams.

Firstly I get to witness the Socceroos playing their next world cup qualifier on  Wednesday night against Qatar. Although red hot favourites these games have to be played with all players switched on and at maximum intensity. No matter which country you hail from, all will have a story of some David that pounced on their Goliath at one time or another.

Secondly I get to see Sterjovski pull on the green and gold in person, even if as a substitute due to his lack of game time (not whingeing… honest!!!). His chances of a starting spot were boosted this week with injuries to regular midfielders Bresciano, Kewell and Grella but will still be joined by Premiership regulars like Cahill, Emerton and Neill just to name a few. If these top flight players turn on the class then it will be a very entertaining night for the huge Aussie crowd.

I for one will be sitting back to enjoy the spectacle in my ‘Sterjovski’ shirt and chanting ‘bring on Mile’ from the first appropriate moment. I would say that will be some time between the 3rd and 4th minute.

Then two days later I return to the same Brisbane stadium to see my A-League team Adelaide United face the Queensland Roar. Their 3-0 win during the week in the Asian Champions league confirmed them as the most successful team in Australian history.

Only a second leg disaster against Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan would deny them a place in the final of the competition and a place with the likes of Manchester United in the world club championships. With the ‘white Pele’ Zico as manager and Rivaldo on the pitch I am not celebrating just yet but all bodes well. Of course this all has nothing to do with the Rams but it isn’t a whinge either… so all is well.

In other news related to Derby and it’s down under contingent, Ruben Zadkovich returned for his first hit out in a Rams shirt after his Hernia operation to rescue a point for the Rams reserves. His diving header made it 2-2 against Walsall in the reserve league cup clash on Wednesday night. He managed over 75 minutes of action before being substituted and told the official site he was very pleased to be back.

“I now want to get as much game time as I can and I want to train hard to get back to full fitness. It was obviously hard work as it was my first game after being out for a while but it was good to get out there.”

Great to have you back Ruben and from reports your impressive display may move you up the pecking order sooner than later. If not then it will give me something new to whinge about and 'WZW' would make a cracking good title for my article.

6 without loss and a stress free weekend. Nice!

C’mon Ewe Socceroos!

Photo: Action Images

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