Beauchamp Still Coming To Terms With Call Up
Central Coast Mariners defender Michael Beauchamp has arrived in the Netherlands, still not quite believing his sudden elevation to the Socceroos squad for the forthcoming came under new coach Guus Hiddink.
The withdrawal of Qantas Socceroo captain Craig Moore, as an active participant in the camp with a hamstring injury, saw Beauchamp get a call on Saturday night to get ready and fly out of Sydney on Sunday afternoon. "It's just come out of the blue”, said Beauchamp only an hour after arriving at the camp-s training base in Hoenderloo. “It-s definitely come a bit earlier than I would have expected.” “I've pretty much come here to take it all in, see what it-s all about and hopefully show them what I can do." Beauchamp, who has starred for Central Coast Mariners in their march towards the Pre-Season Cup final, can fill a number of roles in the backline and is equally at home as a right full back and also in the centre of defence as a marker. When asked whether this was the biggest thing that has ever happened to him in football, Beauchamp had no doubts. "Definitely, definitely,” he said. “I-m having breakfast here at the table and just looking around at the people that are sitting next to me; you only ever see them on TV.” Beauchamp still remains hopeful of playing in the Pre-Season Cup Final against Perth Glory on Saturday at Central Coast Stadium. "I actually get back on Friday night Australian time, so whether I get over the jet lag is the only thing," he said. "I don't want to go in there and not give the Mariners 100 per cent. I don't want to let the boys down.” Beauchamp was a member of the Qantas Under 23 squad, but failed to make the final squad for the Athens 2004 Olympics. Along with Moore, Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson was also a late withdrawal as he awaits the birth of his second child. Thompson though has not been replaced.