O’Neill and O’Toole ready to roar for the Olyroos
BRISBANE Roar pair Aiden O’Neill and Connor O’Toole remain on target to represent Australia at next year’s Olympics following their selection in an Olyroos squad for a two-match series against New Zealand.
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BRISBANE Roar pair Aiden O’Neill and Connor O’Toole remain on target to represent Australia at next year’s Olympics following their selection in an Olyroos squad for a two-match series against New Zealand.
Queenslander O’Neill, who moved to Brisbane this year on loan from English Premier League club Burnley, and Sydney-born O’Toole join former Roar duo Nick D’Agostino (Perth Glory) and Kye Rowles (Central Coast Mariners) in the Australian under-23 squad.
With regular Olyroos coach Graham Arnold on Socceroos duty, Gary van Egmond will take charge of the 24-man squad for the Australians matches against the Kiwis in Wollongong (September 6) and Campbelltown (September 9).
“It gives these young players an opportunity to continue to work towards a goal we have set, the first qualification at the Olympics for an Australian men’s team since 2008,” van Egmond said.
The Olyroos must finish in the top three in January’s AFC under-23 championships in Thailand to join host nation Japan as Asia’s representatives at next year’s Olympics.
Before heading into Olyroos camp, midfielder O’Neill and left back O’Toole are set to be part of the Roar squad meeting Central Coast Mariners in Wednesday night’s FFA Cup round-of-16 clash at Dolphin Stadium.
The Roar warmed up for the Cup match with a 5-1 thrashing of Gold Coast Premier League side Coomera Colts in a behind-closed-doors affair at Logan on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, Lions FC can seal back-to-back NPL Queensland premierships by beating Redlands United at the Cleveland Showgrounds tonight (SATURDAY).
First-placed Lions lead nearest rivals Gold Coast Knights by a point, and have played one less match than the Knights, who have a bye this weekend.
Departing Lions coach Warren Moon, who was this week appointed general manager of Brisbane Roar’s academy, said title success this year would be “sweeter” compared to last season’s “special” triumph.
“We’ve been behind the eight-ball for a lot of the year but have finally been able to get into top spot,” Moon said.
“The league was much more of a challenge this season.”
Elsewhere tonight (SATURDAY), Sunshine Coast Wanderers meet Rochedale Rovers in the FQPL grand final at Underwood Park.
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