Socceroos Ikonomidis call-up a Greek tragedy?

Iain Strachan

Socceroos Ikonomidis call-up a Greek tragedy? image

The 19-year-old Lazio player, who has pulled on the green and gold at youth level, is also eligible to represent Greece and has previously been approached to sound out his interest in switching allegiances, according to a report from The Australian newspaper.
 
And while his inclusion in the squad to face world champions Germany and FYR Macedonia in friendlies this month will come as a surprise to many, head coach Postecoglou insisted he isn't worried about the Hellenic Football Federation seeking to try and lure away a potential prized asset.

"I'm certainly not into the line of thinking that we've got to lock young players in," Postecoglou said.

"That's certainly not the intent. I think Chris sees himself as an Aussie and he's always had a strong desire to play for the Socceroos."

"(It's) a little bit of an eye to the future, giving him an opportunity and exposure to the national team camp."

As for what we can expect from the young newcomer, Postecoglou said: "He's ... a wide attacking player, technically very good on the ball and has a nose for a goal. It's an area of the park where we don't have a lot of depth right now.

"I've been following him for quite a while, he's been part of our Olyroo Under-20 program. His form in the Primeravera in Italy's been very strong. He sat on the bench last week in the cup game for Lazio.

"It's an opportunity to give a young player some exposure to international football and hopefully give him some encouragement to push on and breakthrough at what's a very strong club."

Another fresh face is Melbourne City's in-form midfielder Aaron Mooy, who travelled with the national team for the 2-1 friendly loss away to Japan in November but missed out on the Asian Cup squad.

"With Brec (Mark Bresciano) retiring there's an opportunity there in an attacking midfield role for somebody to take that spot and build from there," Postecoglou said.

"Aaron's earned his selection. He was probably a bit unlikely (to miss out on) the Asian Cup. We've always had him earmarked as somebody who, in this cycle, would be given an opportunity. It's up to him now."

Australia face Germany in Kaiserslautern on March 25, before taking on FYR Macedonia in Skopje five days later.

Iain Strachan