Golden Soft Sombrero Moment

with Steve Laybutt

Overseas Clubs:	Bellmare Hiratsuka (Japan), Feyenoord (Holland)
NSL Clubs:	Brisbane Strikers, Wollongong Wolves, Parramatta Power, SYDNEY OLYMPIC
Green & Gold Honors:	Socceroo Debut: Vs Chile (lost 2-1), Chile, February 2000 Other: Olyroos U/23 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Finals
Diegos Verdict:	Robust, fearless and a great favorite of Socceroo coach, Frank Farina. Laybutt arrived in Holland in 2000 at the same time as his Socceroo and Olyroo teammate, Brett Emerton but whilst Emerton's career soared, Steve struggled to establish himself. His lack of hardened match play eventually cost him Frank's 2002 World Cup 'love' but with real perseverance and the strength of character to come back from an overseas Dutch nightmare, the Diegos reckon that 'Kick yer butt' Laybutt may well play a role in Farina's 2006 World Cup plans.

Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Steve Laybutt

Laybutt on Hungary…

Diegos: "Congratulations on your recent performances for the Socceroos.

You of course scored the opener in what will always be referred to as "The Fish that John West Rejects" derby between the Socceroos and Hungary that the Aussies won 3-0.

How did you feel after scoring your first international goal and did you manage to dodge the flying dead fish thrown by the crowd?"

Laybutt: "Scoring a goal was great.

Being a defender I don't get many of them so when they go in you've got to lap up the moment.

It was good having a bit of controversy about the game. The crowd were getting into it and throwing the odd fish but I reckon it was good for the atmosphere."

Diegos: "I would imagine that goal celebrations after scoring a goal for the current stellar Socceroos outfit would almost be like being hugged and kissed by a bevy of buxom Hollywood starlets.

You were the only Aussie based player in the squad and designated baby of the team.

What was it like having the likes of Mark 'V Bomber' Viduka, Harry 'Love Bite' Kewell puckering up to you after you scored against the Hungarians?"

Laybutt: "It was pretty cold so I didn't really care who was hugging up to me.

It was a real lift having those players in the squad with me. I guess it's a buzz getting their respect by scoring a goal and playing all right.

Players like Craig Moore and Kevin Muscat are always giving bits of advice but basically they give you confidence by letting you go out on the park and play your normal game. "

Soft Sombrero Moment 2000

Laybutt on Farina…

Diegos: "Socceroo coach, Frank Farina has displayed enormous faith in your ability to compete at the highest level for Australia.

He nurtured you as a young man at the Brisbane Strikers.

Would you say that there is almost a father son bond developing between you?"

Laybutt: "I probably wouldn't go that far.

I had a year up there with Frank and I did well for him and in return he has shown some faith in me by giving me a couple of chances.

Hopefully I've rewarded him by doing all right every time he has played me."

Soft Sombrero Moment 2000

Laybutt on the Olyroo 2000 defense…

Diegos: "You are a hard tackling no nonsense member of the Olyroos Rat Pack trio of uncompromising defenders - which includes Hayden Foxe and the hard-nosed Chris Coyne.

It is a mean combination to say the least.

For the Olympics will the motto be 'take no prisoners - scare away any survivors' for you and the rest of the Rat Pack?"

Laybutt: "For sure. If it means playing hard and maybe putting off the opposition strikers and it stops them from scoring then why not.

We all like to play a bit as well so we'll just do whatever we can to win games."

Soft Sombrero Moment 2000