Graham Arnold taking control of Olyroos, hopes to create pathway between under-23s and Socceroos

The Socceroos are locked and loaded for the 2019 Asian Cup but Australia’s next generation of Socceroos already have January 8, 2020 circled on their calendars … and so does Graham Arnold.

Graham Arnold’s current squad is locked and loaded for the 2019 Asian Cup but Australia’s next generation of Socceroo hopefuls already have January 8, 2020 circled on their calendars.

So too does the national coach, even though his immediate priority is the Socceroos’ defence of their Asian Cup crown.

Thailand hosts the AFC Under-23 Championships, which also serve as the AFC qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

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The top three sides in the tournament will advance to the Games with Australia looking to end a miserable recent run that saw them miss out on qualification for Rio 2016, London 2012 and fail to advance beyond the group stages in 2008.

However, before that, there is the small matter of the championships qualifiers in March with Australia set to face South Korea, Cambodia and Chinese Taipai.

Young stars Alex Gersbach and Mustafa Amini with Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.

The eleven group winners and four best runners-up qualify for the final tournament.

Socceroos boss Arnold has made it clear that a clear and productive pathway between under-23 and senior level is a ‘must’ and for that he needs to see first-hand the talented youngsters at work.

Arnold will oversee both the Socceroos and Olyroos as he bids to ensure he is across all the potential options at his disposal.

One of those hoping to be part of the Olympic journey is Central Coast Mariners’ midfielder Aiden O’Neill.

He told The Daily Telegraph that he and his fellow squad members are delighted with the chance to impress the Socceroos coach first hand.

“The under-23s, we went away to Canberra the other week (for a three-day camp) and we had a really good camp,” O’Neill said.

“It’s a really good bunch of boys who are looking ahead to the Olympic qualifiers.

“If all goes well and I keep playing well, hopefully I get selected for that.

Aiden O’Neill in action for Central Coast Mariners.

“Graham Arnold’s taking both teams and if I impress enough, hopefully I can make the jump to the Socceroos in the near future.”

Arnold is no stranger to the Olympic tournament and coached Australia at the 2008 event in Beijing.

“(Olympic) qualification is the key. Qualification will give these kids an extra two years of international football while also aligning them with the same staff as the Socceroos,” Arnold said back in August last year.

Arnold has planned up to five Olyroos camps in the lead-up to March’s under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.

“He says, maybe that’s what’s been lacking recently, that sort of pathway,” O’Neill said.

“And you can’t have a much bigger opportunity than the actual Socceroos gaffer taking the under-23s well.

You’re under his eye 24/7, he’s watching everything you’re doing. It’s exciting for us young players.

“I don’t want to pick anyone out but as I said, we’ve a good group and a lot are playing quite regularly which is a big thing.”

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