Why Socceroos boss turned to Man Utd teen
Anna Harrington |
Age won’t stand in the way of Manchester United teenager James Overy throwing himself into World Cup contention.
That’s the message from Socceroos coach Tony Popovic after calling up the 18-year-old for Saturday’s international with Venezuela and next Wednesday’s game against Colombia.
“If they’re in the squad now they’re a chance for the World Cup,” Popovic said on Monday.
“Yes, there are some players that obviously can be more long-term prospects, can be prospects for after the World Cup, maybe the Asian Cup, certainly the next cycle. But it doesn’t rule them out of this World Cup coming up. And James is one of those.
“I watched him at the under 20s World Cup. (Assistant coach) Paul Okon is very well aware of all the young players, having worked closely with those age groups, with the national team. So I knew what he could do.
“Watching him closely in Chile, I was impressed. In particular, coming in, playing the second match, and starting on the left – the youngest player there, starting at left-back.
“He showed a lot of composure, a lot of maturity for his age and then he went to the right in the third game. And then we started really monitoring him.
“We have good contacts at Man U so we know what he’s doing at training. We know how much he trains, how much he trains with the first team. He’s getting games at the under 18s, the under 21s.
“And I just thought he’s worth having a look at. And let’s see, I’m very open-minded with what that looks like for the immediate future and obviously long-term.”
Popovic said Socceroos staff had been “delighted” with Overy’s progress at United, and wanted him to feel comfortable in a “surprise” first camp.
“But I think it also shows that from the Socceroos’ perspective, that regardless of age or where the player is, we’re open to seeing the talent that’s out there – and there is a lot of talent,” Popovic added.
Overy could get an opportunity with Jordy Bos, Aziz Behich, Jacob Italiano and Alessandro Circati all sidelined.
Wisla Plock striker Deni Juric, younger brother of former Socceroo Tomi, has earned his first call-up at 28 after swapping scoring bags of goals in the Slovenian league for the stronger Polish competition.
“He looks quicker, he looks more powerful, he definitely looks fitter,” Popovic said.
“He’s scoring goals, assisting goals. He’s in a team that’s challenging for the title at the moment.
“It’s maybe not A-League that everyone sees regularly, so they’re not aware of how he’s playing, but he deserves his opportunity.”
Popovic also praised Sydney FC winger Al Hassan Toure, who joins younger brother Mohamed in camp for the first time.
He said Toure, 25, possessed a level of power and speed that he was looking for in attack.
“He has showed glimpses in the A-League so far which we feel has a potential to maybe be selected for the World Cup squad, or if not, something for the future,” he said.
AAP
