Three Jets youngsters will spend time in Canberra early next week, looking to impress Australia boss, Graham Arnold.
On the line is a spot in the Olyroos squad, who will have to jump through a number of hoops to earn the right to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The first step is the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers, which Graham Arnold will take a squad to in March 2019 to face South Korea, Cambodia, and Chinese Taipei.
A-LEAGUE: The win over Brisbane
From the Newcastle Jets, Johnny Koutroumbis, Ivan Vujica, and Angus Thurgate have all made their way down to Canberra for a three-day training camp starting Monday.
It’ll be a huge opportunity for Koutroumbis to represent his nation for the first time, and a massive boost for the youngster following his recent cancer diagnosis.
Although he hasn’t put any Hyundai A-League minutes under his belt so far this season, his spot on the bench the last two matches seems to suggest that minutes aren’t far away.
Angus Thurgate has already put his best foot forward in Aussie colours, at the U20 Asian Cup back in October, and will be looking to continue his meteoric rise.
With three appearances off the bench after returning from the international tournament, Thurgate will relish the chance to return to a national team camp for the second time in as many months.
Fullback, Ivan Vujica will be hoping to represent Australia for the first time himself. He has played international football before, with Croatia U19s.
Vujica is another player who has been pushing hard to show the coaching staff that he’s deserving of a starting XI berth, and took his chance with both hands against Brisbane on Sunday. The Olyroos camp will no doubt provide perfect motivation for the fullback to press on.
Newcastle Jets boss, Ernie Merrick was happy to see the trio in the national team frame.
“I’m really excited for the three boys, it’s be a fantastic opportunity,” Merrick said.
“The chance to play for your country is one that doesn’t come around all too often, and it’s the kind of thing which I think will really spur these boys on.
“It’s good for them and it’s good for us, because they’ll come back from Canberra keen to put their best foot forward and show Graham Arnold they deserve a spot in the squad.”
