Melbourne Victory NPL pair Thomas Deng and Lucas Derrick have received their first international call-ups by Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon.
The friendly series will take place in New Zealand, where the squad will face the host nation along with Qatar, Panama and Ghana between May 3rd and 13th.
Okon chose to play nations already qualified for U20 World Cup to prepare for the AFC U-19 Championship 2016 Qualifiers between September and October.
Winger Derrick came through the NTC system under the guidance of Boris Seroshtan before shining under Darren Davies in Victory’s youth side, while former Green Gully defender Deng has also recently tasted some A-League experience, sitting on the bench against Central Coast Mariners.
Speaking to the Corner Flag, Derrick said he wasn’t expecting national team selection, but was determined to make the most of his opportunity.
“It was a real shock, but I’m very proud and honoured,” he said.
“I’m thankful to Victory for all their help over the last year and am really looking forward to working hard at it.”
Deng attributed his rapid rise in a short time to the faith shown in him by his mentors at Victory.
“It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the coaches at Melbourne Victory,” he said.
“Over the course of six months they’ve taught me so much that has enhanced my development, and I’d like to thank them for their hard work and support they have shown me.”
Okon omitted a number of A-League regulars with the finals series approaching, experimenting with other domestic and internationally-based players.
“This is an ideal opportunity for us to get a head start on our preparations for the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers and the next U20 World Cup,” Okon said.
“The majority of the squad that we have selected are born in 1997 compared to our opposition who are born in 1995 to compete at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“This is an ideal chance for this group of players to impress and show that they are capable of performing at international standard.”
Full Squad:
| Name | Club |
| Daniel ALESSI | Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia |
| Daniel ARZANI | FFA Centre of Excellence, Australia |
| George BLACKWOOD | Sydney FC, Australia |
| Jesse DALEY | Brisbane Roar FC, Australia |
| Shayne D’CUNHA | Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia |
| Daniel DE SILVA | Perth Glory, Australia |
| Thomas DENG | Melbourne Victory, Australia |
| Lucas DERRICK | Melbourne Victory, Australia |
| Alusine FOFANAH | Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia |
| Perry FOTAKOPOULOS | FFA Centre of Excellence, Australia |
| Tom GLOVER (gk) | Tottenham Hotspur, England |
| Thomas HEWARD-BELLE (gk) | Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia |
| Jordan HOLMES (gk) | AFC Bournemouth, England |
| Lachlan HUGHES | Sutherland Sharks, Australia |
| Anthony KALIK | Central Coast Mariners, Australia |
| Steve KUZMANOVSKI | Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia |
| Jordan LAMPARD | Brisbane Roar FC, , Australia |
| Charles LOKOLI NGOY | Sutherland Sharks, Australia |
| Benjamin LYVIDIKOS | Brisbane Roar FC, , Australia |
| Liam McGING | Sydney United 58, Australia |
| Liam ROSE | Central Coast Mariners, Australia |
| Riley WOODCOCK | Perth Glory, Australia |
| Liam YOULLEY | Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia |
Image Credit: Skip Fulton