Melbourne City left-back Jordan Bos isn’t about to waste his chance with Socceroos

Melbourne City’s Jordan Bos says “it’s just the start” as he bids to become a permanent member of the Socceroos squad.

Jordan Bos has been in good form for Melbourne City. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne City young gun Jordan Bos admits his Socceroos’ call-up came earlier than expected, but he intends to make the most of his likely opportunity to play against Ecuador.

With the Australians meeting the South Americans twice in matches on Friday at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium and on Tuesday at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, Bos can expect some game time during the two-game “Welcome Home” series.
And despite having World Cup hero Aziz Behich ahead of him in the pecking order of left-backs, the 20-year-old sensation plans to give Socceroos coach Graham Arnold plenty to think about as the Australians start preparations for next year’s Asian Cup in Qatar.

“It’s just the start,” said Bos, who was expecting to instead be picked in the Australian under-23 squad gathering for a camp in Italy,

“I was just focused on the 23s and then didn’t get selected for that and got the call-up for this.

“I’m here for a reason and I want to show what I can do and hopefully secure a spot in the future.”

Bos said he was ignoring the hype about his development and A-League form.

“I definitely have to keep myself grounded and try not to look into all of that, but I’ve got people around me who support me and make sure I’m down to earth at all times,” he said.

Socceroos left-back Aziz Behich will be challenged for his spot by Jordan Bos. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Behich, 32, will welcome strong competition for his spot as the Socceroos strive to “raise the level another notch” after reaching the round of 16 – where they were beaten by eventual champions Argentina – at last year’s World Cup.

“This is a new cycle, a lot of new faces, (and) it starts with these Ecuador games – we have to set the bar high,” the Dundee United star said.

“We’ve showed now that we can compete against anyone in the world. We took the (World Cup) champions to the final wire of the game … but that’s all in the past.

“Now we’ve got to put that behind us and focus on these two games and obviously we’re going to go challenge for the title come Asian Cup time.”

Behich also said it was “good news” that national coach Graham Arnold had signed a new deal to guide the Socceroos through to the 2026 World Cup.

“Arnie’s been great for us,” he said.

“What he’s achieved with the group and the players he’s brought in and blooded … and mixed it with us experienced guys has been great.

“Seeing him re-sign … it was good news for us as a playing group, but it’s (also) good news for Australian football in general.”

Originally published as Melbourne City left-back Jordan Bos isn’t about to waste his chance with Socceroos