Youngster Aaron Mooy has been talking about his recent debut call-up to the Australian national side for their away match against The Republic of Ireland.
The Socceroos convincingly beat the men from the Emerald Isle 3-0. 18-year-old Mooy made it onto the substitutes’ bench but didn’t manage to get on the field.
Speaking about his time on international duty, he told the club’s website, “It was a bit of a shock to get the call but also a great experience to be alongside so many world-class players.
“For the first couple of days after my call-up my head was full of thoughts about what it would be like but when I got there it was normal and I was more relaxed the more I trained.
“After the first session I wasn’t as nervous and I had the chance to sit down and interact with all the senior players – they are all top-drawer guys.
“It was a bit surreal at first because I grew up watching a lot of players like Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill. But it’s like being at Bolton because you realise they are just footballers.
It was a string of impressive performances in Bolton’s reserves and the Under 18s team that provided Mooy with his call-up to the national squad.
However, the next step for Mooy is to cross the white line and play alongside his football heroes.
He added, “Last season, especially with the FA Youth Cup, I had a good twelve months. I then went away with Australia U20s a couple of times and was involved in a tournament at the end of last season which featured Liverpool and Valencia. I thought I did well there and won Player of the Tournament and it’s from there that I have got my full international call-up.
“The next step for me is to get on the field for Australia because I have been in the squad, had a taste of what international football is like and now I want to do it again.”
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