OFC President's Cup boosts FIFA Club World Cup hopes - Vicelich

Auckland City FC skipper Ivan Vicelich says the OFC President's Cup can boost his club's chances of success at next month's FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.

The 38-year-old former All White is excited at the prospect of facing Singapore U-23 on Monday at The Trusts Arena.

"The OFC President's Cup is a great tournament that's been put together. It's a big help for us in the build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup.

"It's not only a good build-up for us, but also for Amicale and Fiji U-20 who have the OFC Champions League and FIFA U-20 World Cup coming up next year," he says.

Auckland City FC beat Wanderers SC 3-0 at Kiwitea Street in the ASB Premiership last night but now face Singapore U-23, Bodden Town, then an as yet undetermined finals opponent, all in the space of a six days.

But Vicelich is confident the Navy Blues can cope with the extra work load.

"We've got a strong squad here with a lot of games in a short period of time and one or two niggly injuries.

"Our players have to step up and perform but we're very confident in the quality of our squad in every position and this gives everyone a chance to prove themselves and push for a first team spot," he says.

Singapore U-23 play in their domestic professional league as a club called The Young Lions but Auckland City FC have plenty of experience dealing with international teams.

In 2009 they were beaten 2-0 by Kuwait in a friendly and they face Uzbekistan in Dubai as part of their FIFA Club World Cup preparations.

In January, they take on Japan in Newcastle, Australia, part of Japan's build-up for the Asian Cup.

"When you talk about playing national teams like Singapore U-23 you always expect them to be very good. They've been together as a unit for some time playing in a professional league.

"But we'll stick to our tactics and our game plan which we've shown over the last four or five years has been successful, especially against teams from other countries outside of Oceania," Vicelich adds.

"We have to have confidence in what we do but have respect for our opponents and hopefully we can produce some good performances to match."

Auckland City FC take on Singapore U-23 on Monday 17 November at The Trusts Arena at 5pm NZST.

Their next match is with Bodden Town of the Cayman Islands on Friday 21 November.