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AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Brotherly feedback helps drive Juric towards World Cup

With two Socceroos auditions under his belt, Deni Juric hasn't had to look far for feedback on his World Cup hopes.

Older brother Tomi is more than happy to give it the way only a sibling can.

Juric started on debut against Cameroon last Friday and again led the line in Tuesday's 5-1 win over Curacao, where he pulled off a clever flick-on that led to Awer Mabil's opening goal.

Juric
Juric helps Awer Mabil celebrate his goal for the Socceroos against Curacao at AAMI Park. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)

Tomi, a 41-cap, eight-goal Socceroos striker and 2015 Asian Cup winner, was quick to give his opinions.

"Well, there were a few critiques. I think that's normal because he knows what I can do," Deni said on Wednesday. 

"I don't think I've shown the best of me yet in the green and gold. He's gave me some critiques after the first and second game, but he's also gave me some good feedback, some positive feedback with some situations, like the flick-on yesterday.

"But all in all I guess that's normal. He's there to push me forward, to motivate me and help me out in every situation possible."

Injuries to Mohamed Toure and Nicholas D'Agostino opened the door for Juric, who has been starring at Polish club Wisla Plock.

The 27-year-old was called up in November but left camp early through injury.

Conceding he was nervous in his first cap, Juric hopes he has shown enough in an improved second appearance for coach Tony Popovic to recall him for next month's pre-World Cup camp - and potentially even the tournament itself. 

"I'm gonna go back home. I'm gonna do my best. I'm gonna try and do my job, score goals - and at the end of the day, it's up to the boss," Juric said. 

"I'm not gonna kill myself over it.

"I do my best - if I get the call up, another dream come true. If not, you continue working hard. 

"After that, there's games - Asian Cup in January, we've got the windows even after the World Cup. So I'm going to continue to work hard. 

"If it's not the World Cup, then I'm shooting for the camps after that."

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