Michael Zullo is back in Socceroos calculations after being named in Australia’s squad to face Costa Rica in Sydney on November 19.
Michael Zullo is back in Socceroos calculations after being named in Australia-s squad to face Costa Rica in Sydney on November 19.
Zullo was part of the 22-player squad announced by new Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou for the friendly at Allianz Stadium, the zippy left back grateful to have been included.
“I-m happy to be in the squad. Luckily for me I-ve been playing in a talented squad and they have all helped me extensively so I-m happy to get this opportunity and we-ll see what happens now,” Zullo said.
Starved of game time in Holland which led him to join Adelaide United on a one year loan spell in order to try and revive his chances of getting back into the national team, Zullo appears to be heading in the right direction but he knows there is a still a lot of water to come under the bridge before next year-s World Cup.
The 25 year old last represented the Socceroos back on February 6 this year against Romania.
“It-s still early days and it-s a bit early to jump up and down and say this is fantastic but I-m proud to be in the squad and I suppose it-s a bit of a reward for being part of what is a good squad playing good football at Adelaide United,” Zullo said.
While it was good news for Zullo, Reds captain Eugene Galekovic missed out on being one of the two goalkeepers named, European based Mitch Langerak and Mat Ryan favoured on this occasion after the sudden retirement from international football of veteran Mark Schwarzer.
Despite Galekovic not figuring this time around, Postecoglou stated the dual Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year was still very much in his considerations.
“Eugene has had a great start to the season and is someone I rate highly,” Postecoglou said.
With Postecoglou new in the top job and starting with a clean slate, his message to players aspiring to be on the plane to Brazil for next year-s World Cup is simple – just keep playing well.
“I-m excited by the squad we have named to face Costa Rica on November 19 at Allianz Stadium and look forward to working with the players and staff when they come into camp early next week,” Postecoglou said.
“The first task is to have a good look at the bulk of the players who played a significant part in qualifying Australia for the 2014 World Cup and also giving opportunities to players I think have the ability to improve the team.
“I want to give every Australian player the best opportunity to stake a claim for Brazil and beyond.”
This will be the first international match between Australia and Costa Rica at senior men-s international level. The match will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
Click here to see the full squad and for full match details.
