It’s been a huge week for PGFC Academy trio Trent Ostler and Nick and Daniel Walsh who were all selected to attend the latest Joeys training camp as Head Coach Trevor Morgan looks to finalise his squad ahead of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
But they will be fully focused upon club matters this Saturday afternoon when Glory’s youngsters travel to Dorrien Gardens to take on reigning NPL champions and current ladder leaders, Perth SC.
“Perth will be a great challenge as they are top of the league and are a good side,” said Ostler.
“All the boys are excited as these are the games we want to play in to test ourselves.
“We have had a solid week at training, have worked on our game and we know we can cause Perth some problems.”
His international call-up has been especially welcome for Ostler who has endured a tough few months with injury.
“I tore my hamstring in the last game of the Foxtel NYL season which was disappointing because I felt I had a strong season and wanted to end on a good note,” he explained.
“But these things happen in football.
“You just have to work hard in rehab and make sure you do all the right things so you can come back stronger than before the injury.
“It’s always good to be called up to the national team as it rewards you for the hard work you put in and to be finally back around the set-up after a few injury setbacks is great.
“I’m looking forward to going into camp with the boys and working hard.”
Ostler previously represented Australia in the 2017 AFF Under-15 Youth Championship in Thailand and also went on trial at English Premier League club Aston Villa and he regards both as important learning moments.
“Thailand was a great experience and something I will never forget,” he said.
“It was when I made my debut for the national team and scored my first goals which was a dream come true.
“All these trips have been priceless as you can measure yourself against players in different countries to see where you’re at and where you need to improve as a footballer.”
PGFC First Team Head Coach Richard Garcia, meanwhile, was quick to praise Ostler and the Walsh twins upon their selection for the training camp.
“We are delighted for them,” he said.
“They are part of a talented squad we have at our football club and we wish them luck in Canberra.
“All three are very good players for their age and are some of the talented youngsters in the First Team this season.
“It’s definitely exciting times ahead for the programme.”
In terms of Saturday’s clash with Perth SC, Garcia is relishing the prospect of taking on what he regards as the benchmark team in the competition.
“We are looking forward to going to their place, playing our game and looking for a positive result,” he said.
“Last week against Armadale, our second half performance was good, but we need to take our chances when they arrive.
“It will be a good challenge on Saturday.
“Perth have a squad full of experienced NPL players, but I’ve got a squad who I believe can match it with anyone in this league, so we are all looking forward to it.”
Glory’s Under-18s will get Saturday’s action underway at Dorrien Gardens with their game starting at 11am, followed by the Under-20s at 1pm and the First Team at 3pm.
Do get along to lend the lads your support if you can, but if you can’t make it, a live stream of the First Team game will be available via the Football West Facebook page HERE.
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Picture courtesy of Tom McCarthy
