With a new coach comes new opportunity and Alex Wilkinson is one player delighted to have been presented with a chance to impress the new boss.
With a new coach comes new opportunity and Alex Wilkinson is one player delighted to have been presented with a chance to impress the new boss.
“It was a bit of a surprise for me, a few weeks ago when I got the call,” said Wilkinson.
“I-m probably getting a bit older now at 29 and I probably thought my time had passed by.
“I guess you-re always hopeful and I was playing regularly in Korea each week and the team is doing quite well and I guess that helped me and I-m just really grateful to get a call up.
“I-m just looking forward to the week now, meeting the boys and having a positive week and hopefully it-s not the last time.”
The former Central Coast Mariner has been in Korea-s K-League for the past two seasons with Jeonbuk Motors - his first Socceroo call up a reflection of his contribution to one of Asia-s premier domestic competitions.
“I think the standard is pretty good, the Korean league is a physical league,” said Wilkinson.
“A lot of people don-t think that the Asian leagues are that physical but there-s some really big boys in Korea and it-s fast, it-s played at a high pace and it-s definitely added something different to my game.
“I think playing in the A-League for eight years I thought it was time for a change and I guess going over to a new country where English is the second language and a completely different culture obviously helps you grow not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well.”
The 29-year-old is now in line to make his Socceroos debut, a decade on from his last appearance in green and gold - for the Young Socceroos in the UAE.
“I guess, in a way, it-s familiar, but that was a while ago now and things have changed I suppose,” said Wilkinson.
“For me, this is a completely new environment, I-ve met a few of the boys this morning for the first time and I still haven-t met some.
“I-m just looking forward to being involved with all of the guys, meeting them and learning off them and enjoying the week.”
Upcoming Match Details
Socceroos vs Costa Rica Tuesday 19 November 2013 Allianz Stadium, Sydney Kick Off: 7.30pm Gates Open: 6.00pm
The match will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
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