As the Socceroos get into the thick of training, young gun Chris Ikonomides says the team has what it takes to get past their World Cup qualifying opponents.
Taking on Kyrgyzstan next week, Ikonomides is full of confidence and says he has complete trust in coach Ange Postecoglou.
“We’re expecting a tough match but we’re always going to focus on ourselves,” he told FFA TV.
“We’ll study the opposition as best we can with videos and meetings and lots of talking to be done before the match. But if we do our game and play the way we know, we can win.”
After making his debut for the Socceroos in March against FYROM, the 20-year-old says he’s humbled by the selection.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity that they’ve given me a couple of months ago and it’s just a matter of working hard and taking it with two hands.”
Ange Postecoglou has used young inexperienced players to his advantage many times, gambling some important games on an inexperienced squad.
“The boss believes a lot in us young players, even though our experience isn’t as high as some,” Ikonomides says.
“Just look at Massimo Luongo, he’s really made big steps this last year … and big steps for his future as well.”
Tweeting from Dubai during their training camp, Ikonomides says all his focus is going to the upcoming qualifying match.
Nathan Burns looking for a route to goal
Fellow Socceroos and former AEK player, Nathan Burns says he’s hoping to break his goal drought.
He is yet to score in the 12 apperances he’s had for the Socceroos.
“It’s something I would love to add to my resume,” Burns told FFA TV. “It’s one thing I’ve always thought of is scoring a goal for the Socceroos.”
The A-League Player of the Year says there’s a lot of expectation placed on the Socceroos, seeing as they’ll be taking on 177th ranked Kyrgyzstan.
The Socceroos play Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday 17 June at 12 midnight (AEST).