Player Profile

The tough tackling and tough talking Moore will be hoping the World Cup will be a calmer affair than the tumultuous season he has just experienced. In January he was released from his contract with A-League side Brisbane Roar after falling out with coach Ange Postecoglou and moved to Greek side Kavala.

But after just two months he was reportedly sacked, a claim which he strenuously denies. Moore says he left to protect his fitness as the levels of medical support there were not of the standard he was used to in Australia and firmly denies any arguments took place: “I don't feel I have to justify anything but nothing untoward happened,” he said.

Shorn of valuable game time ahead of the World Cup he tried to play a few games for Queensland State League side Brisbane Strikers in May, but the Football Federation of Australia pulled the plug on it and said he should head for a training camp instead.

Moore played all four matches at the 2006 World Cup and scored a penalty against Croatia in the group stage. He briefly announced his retirement from international football in early 2008, but swiftly returned to help the Socceroos qualify for South Africa. He has been an international for 15 years and was Australia’s over-age player at the 2004 Olympics.

He joined Glasgow Rangers’ academy side and won 12 major honours with the club in over 10 years at Ibrox, which was split into two spells. He also played for Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Borussia Monchengladbach.

In November 2008, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but it was detected early enough that he quickly made a full recovery.