The meteoric rise of Andrew Hoole continues, following his selection in the Young Socceroos’ FIFA U-20 World Cup squad.
The meteoric rise of Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Andrew Hoole continued this week, with the 19-year-old one of four Jets players picked to represent the Young Socceroos at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey later this month.
Hoole-s selection in Paul Okon-s 21-man squad caps off a stellar six months for the Broadmeadow Magic junior.
“I-m very honoured,” Hoole said.
“18 months ago I didn-t think anything like this would come up, even being called into camp was a surprise.
“To be where I am now is a massive honour and I-m just really looking forward to the task ahead.”
After being a standout performer for the Jets in the National Youth League, Hoole was promoted to the Jets- first-team squad and made his A-League debut against Brisbane Roar in Round 16 of the 2012/13 season.
He signed his first professional contract with his hometown Club shortly after, before being called into camp with the Young Socceroos.
Hoole said the experienced he gained playing in the A-League gave him the confidence to excel in training camp and earn his spot in the final World Cup squad.
“Making the step-up to the A-League was a massive thing for me, because if I-m not in that environment, I don-t get a look-in to be honest,” Hoole said.
“I owe a lot to Gary as well, because he-s shown a lot of faith in me and given me a chance.
“Obviously when you get a chance, you need to do as well as you can and luckily for me I was able to do that.
I”t will be a massive step-up playing in the World Cup, but I think I-m ready for that.
“Hopefully I can get some game time while I-m over there and it will be a great experience.”
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said it was great to see a young, up-and-coming Novocastrian represent the region on the international stage.
“It-s a big thing for all of the Jets players selected, but especially for someone like Andrew who has grown up in Newcastle,” Middleby said.
“He-s gone from being a youth team player to making the step-up to A-League level last season, getting his first professional contract and now he-s off to a World Cup.”
