She might have to bide her time at club level but Perth Glory Women goalkeeper Gabrielle Dal Busco has rocketed into international selection with the Westfield Young Matildas.
Dal Busco, who is WA’s sole representative in the 23-player squad, will travel with the team to Vietnam this weekend for the U19 Asian Football Confederation qualifying tournament.
The 17-year-old took part in a three-day training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra last week where her impressive performances earned a first international call up.
“I’d been to an Australian training camp a few years ago, but I’ve never made it into the squad before,” Dal Busco said.
“As you can imagine, I’m overwhelmed and excited and feeling very proud to be representing Australia.”
Dal Busco is yet to make a Perth Glory appearance and has been kept out this season by in-form Mackenzie Arnold. The Matildas goalkeeper has set a high standard between the posts in the side’s record start to the season.
League-leading Glory have been rescued by Arnold on several occasions and were indebted to her incredible performance in keeping a clean sheet in their 3-0 win over Canberra United in Round 5.
Glory remain clear at the top of the Westfield W-League despite going down 1-0 to Adelaide United last Saturday.
Jamie Harnwell’s side, who won their first six matches, take on Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday.
The match is live on ABC TV from 12pm.
