Australia NewsOar: The Hard Work Starts Now |
SOCCEROO new boy Tommy Oar is determined to make an international impression but he knows hard work lies ahead.
Oar's recent outstanding form in the A-League for Brisbane Roar has been rewarded with selection in the Socceroos squad to face Kuwait on January 6.
The call-up marks Oar's debut in the senior ranks of Australian national team football, having featured prominently in two Young Socceroos campaigns over the past 12 months.
Joining the teenager in the 23-man squad will be fellow midfielder Matt McKay and experienced defender Craig Moore as the Socceroos look to secure a spot in the 2011 Asian Cup.
While clearly excited by the opportunity to push for his first senior cap, Oar said he still had plenty to do before considering taking the field for the Socceroos.
"The hard work is yet to be done," Oar said. "I've gotten this far but I have to go in and make an impression.
"I'm not really thinking as far ahead as starting (the game) to be honest, I'm just going to concentrate on the training camp.
"That's my next goal, I'm really excited and very happy to be in (the squad)."
McKay believes Oar has a good chance to secure some game time against the joint Group B leaders but said he had his own goals ahead of the match.
Brisbane's No.15 was part of the Socceroos side which lost to Kuwait 1-0 in Canberra in March and McKay said he was keen to get a result on Kuwait's turf.
"It'll be good to go back to their turf and give them a good run for their money," McKay added.
"It was very disappointing to lose the way we did, we didn't play well and we knew that.
"I'm glad some of us have got another chance to prove some of the critics wrong."
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