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AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

Striker Duke determined to maintain hot Socceroos run

Mitch Duke will train with an English club to maintain his fitness ahead of the Asian Cup. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS)

In-form Socceroos striker Mitch Duke will link up with an English club for training in December to stay fit and in the mix for January's Asian Cup.

Duke scored a well-taken brace in Australia's 7-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bangladesh on Thursday night and could start again against Palestine in Kuwait next Tuesday.

The 32-year-old has been in stellar form for Machida Zelvia, scoring 11 goals and notching six assists across all competitions while helping the club earn promotion from the J2 League to J1 League.

But with the Japanese season over, Duke will head to England to maintain his training loads, while being closer to his children in High Wycombe.

He has spoken to local clubs Wycombe Wanderers, Watford, Reading and QPR.

"It's a bit of tough timing with the way the J1 League is set," Duke said. 

"I have a good break in between now and the first Asian Cup game. So for me to put myself into contention for selection, I've got to stay fit and in good condition, and that's not just individual training. 

"So I'm trying to work out solutions. 

"I'll be in the UK during December and trying to find a club that's going to accept me to train with them to stay in not just individual fitness but in football fitness as well, with a team environment and playing with the ball and some tactical stuff as well. 

"So I've got a few clubs on the list that are willing to help me out and just got to make the decision now."

Duke is confident of making an ongoing impact in both Japan's top tier and with the Socceroos.

"I just feel like my career is going up and up and if I can stay at that level I don't see why I can not stay at the international level as well, doing well for the country," he said.

"My football just seems to be getting better and better for myself, which has been really enjoyable. 

"I'm just loving life at the moment. I'm happy outside of football as well, which helps and it's just showing on the pitch and I'm just grateful for every opportunity I get to play for my national team. 

"I just approach it as if it could be my last as well. 

"So with that mentality, I think that helps my performances and ruthlessness for myself to keep banging in (goals) and keeping those young ones away."

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