Chipperfield to play on in Europe

Socceroo defender Scott Chipperfield is in such dazzling form for his Swiss club
Basel that he will stay in Europe for another year and defer any thoughts about
returning home to play in Australia's A-League.
The veteran left-back has been creating so much havoc at the other end of the park -
in front of goal - that he looms as a dangerous attacking weapon for Australian
coach Pim Verbeek in next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in
Sydney.
Chipperfield has scored six goals for Basel in the past five games, including a
hat-trick last weekend, all in open play.
The Swiss club now wants to extend his stay, and while he has had talks with three
A-League clubs - North Queensland, Central Coast and Newcastle - he will stay in
Europe at least until after next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.
Chipperfield has been playing in a more attacking left-wing role for Basel than he
does for the Socceroos.
But it was his splendid headed goal that settled the away World Cup qualifier in
Uzbekistan last September, and he doesn't rule out a repeat next week in a match
where victory could all but guarantee Australia a place in South Africa.
"I'm getting in the right positions in the box and the ball keeps finding me,"
Chipperfield said as the Socceroo squad assembled in Sydney, full again of
European-based stars following the recent disappointing Asian Cup defeat to Kuwait
by a Socceroo of A-Leaguers.
"I feel in good shape and in good form," said Chipperfield, a veteran of Australia's
successful 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany.
"I'm enjoying football again. I was out injured for a long time and a bit frustrated.
"Now I'm playing a more attacking role, so I'm getting more opportunities to get in
the box and score goals.
"In Uzbekistan I pushed forward and got a goal, so hopefully I can get one next week.
"I'm confident in front of goal right now, so if I get any chances hopefully I will
put them away."
Chipperfield's deal with Basel meant he had to play 10 games in the second part of
the current season to have his contract extended.
He has played five so far, but the club has seen enough.
"They're pretty keen now to sort something out pretty soon," he said.
"Now I'll spend one more year in Europe."
Chipperfield said he had been influenced by coach Pim Verbeek's comments that
playing in Europe gave players a better chance with the Socceroos, though Verbeek
had not spoken to him personally.
"It's all about timing, too," he said.
"The A-League finishes in March so you have to go on loan for two months somewhere
(ahead of the World Cup in June).
"If the World Cup was this year it would have been ideal."
Chipperfield could well be tempted next year if Wollongong's bid to join the
A-League is successful, as he is keen to live near his family there.
But for the moment his thoughts are on the top-versus-bottom World Cup clash between
the Socceroos, undefeated in four qualifying matches, and an Uzbekistan side with
just one point.
It was an impressive point, however - away against second-placed Japan - showing
that anything is possible on Wednesday.
"If we win the game we could be there (South Africa)," said Chipperfield.
"We don't want it to come down to the last two or three games, where you are under a
bit of pressure.
"The sooner we can wrap it up the better."
Meanwhile Turkey-based striker Bruce Djite has been added to Australia's squad for
the match.