Western United young gun Rhys Bozinovski has been called up to Trevor Morgan’s Subway Young Socceroos side for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
Bozinovski will enter a pre-tournament camp with his teammates in Tashkent following United’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 17 clash against Wellington Phoenix on February 17, with Australia’s first match taking place on 1 March.
As well as silverware and the crown of U20 Asian Champions being on offer, there will be extra motivation for each team with the four semi-finalists booking a spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia.
On receiving the call up for his first continental tournament with the Young Socceroos, Bozinovski said it was an opportunity that he can’t wait to take advantage of.
“It’s a very proud moment for me. Representing my country is a feeling I can’t explain,” he said.
“Going into the qualifiers last year you could feel the pressure, but now obviously going into the Asian Cup there’ll be added pressure which will be even better for the boys, and hopefully we can get good results there.
“Playing at a World Cup is obviously every footballer’s dream, so the motivation going into the Asian Cup is unreal. I feel like the group that we have can do it, and being part of a World Cup would be the best feeling ever.”
Having developed right through Western United’s Senior Academy system and now finding himself as a regular first-team member in John Aloisi’s side, Bozinovski thanked the Club for its support that has got him to this point.
“I can’t thank the Club enough. They’ve given me the opportunity, especially this year, and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to perform, develop and hopefully show myself off on the world stage.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said the Club was delighted to see Bozinovski rewarded for his hard work and development.
“Rhys has continued to develop during his time at the Club and we are pleased to see him rewarded once again by being called into the U20s squad,” he said.
“We look forward to his continued progression and we are excited with what lies ahead for Rhys and the Club.
“We wish both he and the U20s every success at the upcoming Asian Cup.”
Australia has been drawn in Group B for the tournament alongside Iran, Qatar and Vietnam, with the top two in each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
Everyone at Western United looks forward to watching Rhys on the international stage and wishes him all the very best for the tournament.
