Chippers back in the frame

World Cup star Scott Chipperfield has stepped back from the brink of international retirement and declared his desire to help the Socceroos qualify for South Africa 2010.

The Switzerland-based 31-year-old's decision flies in the face of speculation that having skipped the carnage of last month's Asian Cup he would disappear for good - although he has been overlooked for the high-profile September 11 duel against star-laden Argentina at the MCG.

Chipperfield's about-face offers an instant solution to a problem position down the left flank for Australia where the perennially injured Harry Kewell, Sheffield United's out-of-the-loop David Carney and Nurnberg rookie Matthew Spiranovic are the only current options.

The left is bereft following the retirements of Tony Popovic, Stan Lazaridis and Tony Vidmar, a fact not unnoticed by former bus driver Chipperfield, who is currently directing traffic through the centre of midfield for his club side FC Basel.

After five goals in even games so far this season, Chipperfield claims his Socceroos appetite was restored by his first post-season holiday in four years.

''Missing the Asian Cup is the best thing I could have done,'' admitted Chipperfield whose appearance against Argentina is conditional on matters at home where wife Steffani is due to give birth to the couple's second child imminently.

''I'm keen to come back but it's a day to day thing with the baby due,'' he said.

On his brush retirement, he added: ''I'd got to the point with Australia where I just needed a break or I'd have ended up giving it away entirely.”

''I was exhausted mentally and physically...but my body is now thanking me for it. I haven't felt better in years.”

''I've started the season well for my club. We're second in the table and now I feel I have something to give to Australia again.”

''I felt for the lads at the Asian Cup, it was painful seeing them go out and not living to what they expected of themselves.”

''But hopefully we've learned a few things on the way.”

''There's a huge qualification path ahead of us. It will be draining for the European based boys to get back and play games 24 hours or so after getting off a plane but if it's handled right then I'm sure we can share the workload.''

Chipperfield's versatility and consistency make him invaluable. He can play left back, on the left side of a back three, left midfield or now in the centre.

''I'll be 34 by the time the next World Cup comes around and I've every intention of staying the course,'' he added.

''I think the fact that I can switch around a bit helps my cause and gives whoever in charge some options.''

Chipperefield, capped 56 times by country, welcomes the impending advent of the Dick Advocaat era, revealing: ''I've heard very good reports about him and he'll give us something different.”

''But it would be good to see Graham Arnold (the outgoing Socceroos coach) remain involved.”

''He knows the players well and would have a lot to offer as an assistant.''

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