Brisbane Roar duo Matt McKay and Luke DeVere are determined to stake their claims for a green and gold jersey when the 25-man Socceroos squad bunkers down for a training camp on the Gold Coast early next week.
Brisbane Roar duo Matt McKay and Luke DeVere are determined to stake their claims for a green and gold jersey when the 25-man Socceroos squad bunkers down for a training camp on the Gold Coast early next week.
Selected alongside team-mates Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo for Australia-s final AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifier against Indonesia at Suncorp Stadium on March 3, McKay and DeVere have vowed to train hard and create selection headaches for Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek.
“You keep playing hard for your club and to keep getting recognised is good,” McKay said.
“It-s all good going to camps, and you get excited to be in camp, but you want to get some game time.”
No stranger to the national setup, McKay last appeared for the Socceroos as an unused substitute in the 2-2 away draw against Kuwait.
But the Roar captain is determined to make a Socceroos starting berth his priority.
“I enjoyed my time in the (Kuwait) camp, but I want to be playing and if I get a chance I-ll grab it with both hands,” the 27-year old said.
DeVere is one of only four players to earn a debut call-up to the Hyundai A-league dominated squad – the defender rewarded for a strong season in the Roar-s backline.
However, the 20-year old is refusing to be overawed by the occasion, relishing the chance to put his name forward as a future Socceroo.
“I certainly wasn-t expecting (a call-up), but everyone hopes they might have a chance,” DeVere said.
“I-m just going to go in there and work hard and try my best.
“(Verbeek) has always given younger players a chance and if they-ve proven themselves and done well enough, then they have earned that spot to play.
“Hopefully it-s no different this time and I can earn my spot.”
Despite a difficult season, both McKay and DeVere agree the Roar-s strong showing in Verbeek-s squad represents a brighter future for the club.
“It-s been a disappointing season for the Roar, but it-s good that our players have received recognition for the national team,” McKay said.
“It-s good for our club … and hopefully we can do well and represent the club well.”
McKay and DeVere also admitted the chance to play in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium was an opportunity to good to miss.
“Personally I will be working extra hard to try and get on the bench or to get a starting spot,” DeVere said.
