Mary Fowler turns down chance to play for Matildas against Chile

Matildas wonderkid Mary Fowler has knocked back a spot in the national team to play Chile this month.

Mary Fowler in action for the Matildas against England in London last month. Picture: Getty Images

Matildas wonderkid Mary Fowler has knocked back a spot in the national team to instead train with Cristiano Ronaldo’s sprint coach in England.

The 15-year-old has looked right at home in the green and gold since making her debut for Australia’s women’s national team in friendlies earlier this year, earning comparisons to current star forward Sam Kerr thanks to her ability to sniff out a goal. But having been born to an Irish father and Papua New Guinean mother, whether Fowler remains tied to Australia before next year’s World Cup remains unknown.

Matildas coach Alen Stajcic revealed yesterday that the exciting striker had turned down a spot in his squad to play Chile on November 10 and 13.

“A little bit disappointing, I have to say,” the coach said. “She’s in England training with a specialist sprint coach that was working with Cristiano Ronaldo, doing that now and trialling with some clubs over there.”

Fowler’s brother Quivi, 19, and sister Ciara, 17, have previously represented Ireland, the country of their birth at youth level, but the talented family was raised in Cairns and are on Football Federation Australia’s radar. Quivi is now with second-tier Dutch club FC Dordrecht, having spent time in the youth system of Eredivisie outfit Vitesse.

“They’ve lived an alternative lifestyle, if you’d like to call it that, over the last couple of years and the father has a whole family he’s trying to look after and protect and foster their growth on and off the field,” Stajcic said.

“We don’t know if that path’s the right one or the wrong one, but she’s certainly come a long way on and off the field as a person and we have to give them that space to do what they have to do.

“She is 15 years old; for me it’s a little bit disappointing but she’s under her father’s wing at the moment and I wish her and her family all the best.”

AAP