Perth’s wonder boy Danny De Silva is only two weeks away from securing his first cap for the Socceroos.
Eighteen year old De Silva and Perth born, Croatia-based defender Tomislav Mrcela have been called into the squad to face Kyrgyzstan in the opening 2018 World Cup Qualifier after Massimo Luongo and WA’s Trent Sainsbury were ruled out with minor injuries.
“Obvioulsy I’m very happy, it will be a great opportunity, honour and experience for me” De Silva said, who has been training with the Young Socceroos for the past month.
“Just being part of the squad and amongst the changerooms and getting a real vibe for the Socceroos culture, and of course it’s a qualifier, so it will be a great experience for me”.
Mrcela has been selected following consistent good form for NK Lokomotiva Zagreb in the Croatian first division.
De Silva, whose imminent departure to Italian giants AS Roma, is expected to be signed off within weeks, was drafted after catching the eye of head coach Ange Postecoglou in recent Young Socceroos’ matches and on the back of some strong performances for Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League.
“Daniel is a prodigious talent who has been progressing well and after watching him play for the Young Socceroos against the likes of Brazil and Mexico he has earned a chance with the Socceroos” Postecoglou said.
De Silva, who will be the youngest player in the squad, said he was relishing the moment to train alongside one of his idols, Tim Cahill.
“Growing up he was someone who I watched in the Socceroos especially when I was training at Everton and he was still there so it will be a fantastic opportunity and privilege to be able to train and speak with him”.
De Silva will join his Socceroos team mates in Dubai for a training camp starting on 8 June.
The match kicks-off on 16 June and will be broadcast exclusively LIVE on FOX SPORTS 4 (channel 505) and on a one hour delay on SBS.
Socceroo Match Details
Kyrgyzstan v Australia
Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek
Tuesday 16 June 2015
9pm kick off (1am AEST)
