PGFC Academy trio Trent Ostler, Joshua Rawlins and Daniel Walsh have all been named in the Australia squad for the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019.
After two years of qualifiers and competitions, domestic camps and international friendlies, Head Coach Trevor Morgan has picked the 21 players who will don the green and gold for the 24-nation tournament which will run from October 26 to November 17.
Ostler, Rawlins and Walsh have starred for Glory’s NPL teams in recent years after progressing through the Glory Development Centre and all three appeared on a regular basis for the senior side during this year’s pre-season campaign.
Rawlins came off the bench in the latter stages of July’s friendly against Manchester United at Optus Stadium, while Ostler made his senior competitive bow in the FFA Cup Round of 32 tie with Western Sydney Wanderers.
Glory’s Football Director Jacob Burns is understandably delighted that the youngsters have now been further rewarded for their efforts with a fantastic opportunity to shine on the highest stage.
“We’re extremely proud of Trent, Joshua and Daniel,” he said.
“They have been a part of our program for a number of years, have advanced along the pathway thanks to their hard work and endeavour and have featured for the first-team on a regular basis during this year’s pre-season games.
“Their selection for the World Cup squad marks a coming of age for them as talented young players and speaks volumes for both their dedication and that of the coaching staff that they have worked under within our elite, two-star program.
“Representing Australia in the World Cup will be an amazing experience that will stay with them throughout what we’re sure will be long and successful careers in the game.
“They will be pitting themselves against the best players in the world and on behalf of everyone at Glory, I’d like to wish them and the rest of the Joeys all the very best of luck.”
Ecuador, Hungary, and Nigeria will provide the opposition for Australia in Group B and Head Coach Morgan is relishing the prospect of seeing his young charges perform on the highest stage.
“The players selected represent Australia’s cultural diversity and come from all over the nation,” he said.
“We have selected a squad that has depth, flexibility and a strong culture of doing things to the best of their ability.
“There are some boys who have been part of the journey since 2017 and others who have joined recently bringing new strengths and adding new qualities to our group.
“The level of experience is building with six international matches this year and several boys training with senior players at Hyundai A-League clubs.
“This is a positive sign as they prepare for the biggest tournament possible for their age group but also for the longer term to have a career as a senior professional.
“We look forward to the challenges ahead, with confidence in the boys and what they can do to express themselves and represent Australia on the world stage.”
Morgan’s squad will depart Australia, or their respective European clubs, early next week and spend twelve days preparing for the tournament in Santiago, Chile.
The Joeys will swap Chile for Brazil on Saturday 19 October 2019 ahead of their first game of the competition at the Estadio Olimpico in Goiania against Ecuador on October 26.
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