Alessandro Circati poised to be chosen in Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia
A key defender is set to return to the Socceroos squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
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Alessandro Circati seems a certain inclusion in the Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia after being added to a group of players at a national training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
The 21-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in September last year but has made a successful return to club football, playing full matches in Parma’s final two matches of the Italian Serie A season.
While Circati is set to named in the Socceroos squad being announced on Sunday, Dundee United defender Ryan Strain won’t be among those selected, having left the UAE camp to return to Scotland after suffering a hamstring injury.
The Socceroos meet Japan at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Thursday week before travelling to Jeddah for their June 11 (AEST) clash with Saudi Arabia.
Australia’s squad will be a mix of players from the training camp as well as those whose club commitments have prevented them from being in the UAE.
Four goalkeepers – Mat Ryan, Joe Gauci, Paul Izzo and Thomas Glover – are at the training camp; however, only three are expected to be named in the final squad.
“Everyone wants to put themselves in the best position to be up for selection when we qualify for the World Cup,” said Gauci, who missed the Socceroos’ matches in March against Indonesia and China due to a hip injury he suffered in February playing for English League One (third tier) club Barnsley, where he was on loan from Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
“Having missed out on March, to see the growth of the squad from (the camp in) November (last year) to now is fantastic.”
Socceroos skipper Ryan has played in Australia’s past three matches, with Gauci having been between the posts for the national team’s three games before that.
“Maty has been a fantastic mentor and role model, and a younger me would be going crazy to say that he is able to compete for the No.1 spot for Australia,” Gauci said.
“Whatever happens in the upcoming games, you’re working to play. That’s not only myself and Maty but Paul and Tommy also,” Gauci said.
“We’re all working with that mindset that we’re going to be called upon at any moment.”
As for his club future, Gauci, 24, said he would “put his best foot forward” on his return to Villa for pre-season training.
“My main focus is to play for Aston Villa, whether that’s next season or the years that follow,” he said.
There is speculation that Villa’s first-choice keeper, Argentine Emiliano Martinez, might leave the club despite being contracted, while 35-year-old Swedish custodian Robin Olsen will depart the club to join Malmo FF.
“There are opportunities. It’s up to me to take them,” Gauci said.
Originally published as Alessandro Circati poised to be chosen in Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia
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