Adam Taggart spoke to newcastlejets.com.au about his selection in the Socceroos squad for the East Asian Cup qualifiers.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Adam Taggart has revealed his surprise at being selected in the Socceroos- final 20-man squad for next week-s East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) East Asian Cup 2013 qualifying tournament.
The 19-year-old has spent the week at Socceroos training camp in Sydney doing his best to impress head coach Holger Osieck and his staff.
The provisional group of 25 players was reduced to 20 today and Taggart said it came as a slight surprise when his name was included in Osieck-s final squad for the tournament.
“I didn-t really expect to be picked for the camp let alone the final squad so I-m just going to try and enjoy the experience and learn as much as I can from the coaching staff and senior players,” Taggart said.
“With the quality of players that we have in the squad, it-s obviously going to be hard for me to get a lot of game time during the tournament, but if I do get a chance I just want to be ready to make the most of it.
“It-s a new tournament for Australia to play in, so it-s going to be an exciting experience just to be a part of that as well.”
Taggart admitted he had been a little anxious when he arrived in Sydney for his first full Socceroos camp, but he has since settled-in well.
“I was a bit nervous at the start of the week, because it came as a bit surprise to me to even be picked in the original squad,” Taggart said.
“I only knew Terry (Antonis) from the Young Socceroos and a couple of boys from the Olyroos, but it-s been easy to settle into the group because everyone gets along well and they all make you feel welcome.
“I think that-s just part of the culture of all the Australian national teams, all the players and staff are very welcoming.
“It-s a privilege to be a part of the Socceroos- senior team and I-m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Taggart said his experience playing with the Australian under 20-s team had held him in good stead for the Socceroos camp.
“With the level players that are in the squad, the intensity of training is always going to be very high and the quality of football has been excellent as well,” he said.
“Holger hasn-t spoken to me so much about what he wants from me personally because the focus has been more about the team and how he wants us to play.
“It-s pretty much the same style of football that I-m used to with the Young Socceroos, so that makes it a bit easier for me to adapt.”
