Albany Creek teenager Liam Hart has belied his age to be selected in an Australian hockey team

Albany Creek teenager Liam Hart has belied his age to be selected in an Australian hockey team to compete overseas.

Albany Creek teenager Liam Hart has belied his age to be selected in an Australian hockey team to compete overseas.

The 17-year-old from Pine Rivers St Andrews Hockey Club has been named in the Australian under 21 team to contest the Eight Nationals Invitational Tournament in Madrid from June 10-16.

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One of four Brisbane-based players in the 18 member under 21 team, Hart is following in the footsteps of his uncle Mark Hager who captained the Australian Kookaburras to an Olympic medal win.

“I have not done much yet compared to him,’’ Hart said.

Pine Rivers St Andrews players from the winning Queensland Zac Profke, Liam Hart and Cooper Johnson. Photo: Greg Hart for Pine Rivers

Hart, a past student of Padua College, has been an elite player in his age group for seasons and earlier this year was named both player of the national under 18 tournament and player of the final.

However, even he and his family were pleasantly surprised by his selection.

“We were shocked he made the team at 17 even though he had a very good under 18 tournament,’’ said his father Greg.

“We are very proud of his achievement.’’

Liam added: “I did not expect it It was a pretty big shock.

“I felt my form kicked in with the 18s and I have been training with Queensland senior squad for a while.’’

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Australia is in Pool B for the tournament alongside host side Spain, India and the Netherlands. Australia opens its campaign against India on June 10.

“We are very excited to be able to participate in this fantastic touring and competition opportunity,” said coach Ben Bishop said.

“Our athletes will be able to compete against some of the best junior teams in the world in Madrid while also having the opportunity to play against the European style of hockey which will form an important part of their development.”