GUN Mariners duo Mathew Ryan and Tomas Rogic have earned another opportunity to impress Qantas Socceroos boss Holger Osieck with selection in the German’s provisional 25-man squad for the 2013 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) East Asian Cup qualifying tournament to be held in Hong Kong next month.
GUN Mariners duo Mathew Ryan and Tomas Rogic have earned another opportunity to impress Qantas Socceroos boss Holger Osieck with selection in the German-s provisional 25-man squad for the 2013 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) East Asian Cup qualifying tournament to be held in Hong Kong next month.
Ryan and Rogic will link with their Qantas Socceroos teammates in Sydney on Monday as they begin to prepare for games against the host country, North Korea, Guam and Chinese Taipei from December 3 to 9.
Rogic made his Qantas Socceroos debut against Korea Republic in Hwaseong last week, earning praise from pundits for his efforts off the bench as Australia secured a narrow 2-1 win over their hosts.
Ryan has yet to take to the field for the senior national team, however it is likely the talented custodian will receive his opportunity as Australia aim to qualify for the EAFF East Asian Cup Finals to be held in Korea Republic next July.
Following Central Coast Mariners training in Tuggerah today, Ryan and Rogic spoke of their delight in earning selection for their second consecutive Qantas Socceroos squad.
“I would love to get a cap under my belt, but obviously the boss Holger is in charge of that. If my time is this time then I would be rapt and confident I can do a job for him,” Ryan said.
Rogic added: “I am very pleased. I am very happy and proud again, I just need to keep working hard and I am looking forward to going into camp.”
“I think it makes the transition a lot easier having a familiar face (Ryan) there. It-s obviously great for Maty and I am sure we will enjoy our time there together,” he said.
Selection in the Qantas Socceroos squad completes an amazing 24 hours for Ryan. Last night the talented gloveman was recognised as Australia-s U20 Football of the Year (Male) at the 2012 Australian Football Awards held in Sydney.
This is the second year in a row Ryan has won the award, and adds to a range of honours the 20-year-old has collected over the past 12 months.
Indeed, Ryan has been named NAB Young Footballer of the Year for the last two seasons, won the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year prize, earned the 2012 Professional Footballers Australia Harry Kewell Medal honour, and was voted by his peers as the 2012 Mariners Medallist.
Ryan praised the Mariners team environment for helping his achieve individual plaudits.
“I was stoked to pick up an award last night.”
“I couldn-t have achieved personally what I have if it wasn-t for them (the team). I think it-s just a reflection of the work we-ve done since I have been here, so thanks to them,” he said.
Central Coast Mariners fans will have the opportunity to wish Ryan and Rogic well in their Qantas Socceroos endeavours when Graham Arnold-s side host Rado Vidosic-s Brisbane Roar outfit at Bluetongue Stadium this Sunday 25 November, 2012.
If selected for Osieck-s final squad for the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Hong Kong, Ryan and Rogic will miss Central Coast-s Hyundai A-League round 9 and 10 fixtures against Adelaide United (home) and Newcastle Jets (away) respectively.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ryan and Rogic would return in time for the Mariners home clash with Melbourne Heart on Friday 14 December.
Former Mariner Rostyn Griffiths, now of Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou R&F has also been selected in the squad.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Brisbane Roar – 2012/13 Hyundai A-League Round 8
Sunday 25 November, 2012
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:00pm (local)
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! The official match hash-tag for Sunday-s game is #CCMvROAR
