Alana Cerne and Kahli Johnson will both head into camp with the Australia Under 23’s later this month as they continue to impress international selectors.
Coming off breakout seasons in the Liberty A-League Women, this will be the second camp for both players at Under-23 level.
The pair will join a 24-player squad selected by head coach Melissa Andreatta for a training camp in Italy, where the team will face two high quality opponents in match play.
Basing out of the AIS European Training Centre in Varese, the team will face professional opposition in Italian powerhouse AC Milan before taking on Scotland Under 23’s.
Cerne and Johnson feature alongside a number of other Liberty A-League stars and overseas players, making up a talented group of Australia’s next generation of female stars.
Carrying on from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, this Under 23’s camp will give both players the chance to continue showcasing their talent to the national teams.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato encouraged both players to continue taking their opportunities into the future.
“We are delighted to see Alana and Kahli recognised for the Under 23’s and look forward to hearing about their continued progression,” he said.
“This is a significant time for the next generation of Matildas and we are pleased to see two of our own named among a talented squad.
“We hope opportunities such as this will continue to aid Alana and Kahli’s development and set them up for continued success in the national team environment.”
Cerne has emerged on the international scene over the past year, initially earning her first call-up in May and continuing to work in the Future Matildas program.
Johnson, meanwhile, has been a regular for the Young Matildas and has just recently come out of camp with the Under 20’s side.
Both players will commence pre-season training with Western United before travelling to Italy and will return from camp at the end of the month ready for the Liberty A-League season, which kicks off on Saturday 14 October.
