Australia’s young brigade have arrived in the Korea Republic determined to push their claims for a permanent squad berth, according to striker Mathew Leckie.
Australia-s young brigade have arrived in the Korea Republic hungry to make an impression and determined to push their claims for a permanent squad berth, according to gun striker Mathew Leckie.
Leckie is one of the headline acts of an exciting new Qantas Socceroo contingent in Hwaseong, a list that also includes fellow attacking weapons Eli Babalj and Tom Rogic, along with goalkeeper Mat Ryan and defender Aziz Behich.
Collectively, none of those above do not have a Qantas Socceroo cap to their names.
But, what Australia-s new breed may lack in experience, they will surely make up for with enthusiasm and purpose tomorrow evening.
“It-s great to be back, it-s been a while now, over a year and a half, so I-m happy to be back part of the squad,” Leckie said.
“We-re all here to make an impression, they-re all (the young additions to the Qantas Socceroo squad) talented players. I-ve kept an eye on all of them and it-s especially easier as well coming into a camp with a few other young guys.
“Definitely, it-s a good experience for all of us to show ourselves.”
Leading into the match, Leckie has showcased some sound form for second-tier German outfit FSV Frankfurt.
In Frankfurt on loan from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, Leckie has made the most of his opportunity at greater game time - featuring eight times this campaign and netting two goals along the way.
The 21-year-old former Adelaide United marksman has been unsighted by Australian audiences since departing the Hyundai A-League in 2011, but is eager to remind Qantas Socceroos fans of his quality tomorrow night.
“I-ve been involved with the last few games (at FSV Frankfurt),” Leckie said.
“I-m happy with myself so far, I-ve scored a few goals and just getting game time and that-s the most important thing.
“Borussia Monchengladbach was a great experience but at the end of the day you want to be playing football and the year now in Frankfurt is definitely going to help my football career.”
The Qantas Socceroos will meet the challenge of fellow Asian heavyweights the Korea Republic at the Hwaseong Stadium on Wednesday, 14 November. Kick off is at 7pm local time (Kick off 9pm AEDT).
The Qantas Socceroos return to Australia in 2013, for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia at 7.30pm, Tuesday, 26 March, followed by Iraq, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 18 June.
Tickets for both matches at Stadium Australia are on sale now through Ticketek or via phone, 132 849.