The former Subway Olyroos' captain had to wait over seven years for a chance at senior international football, four months on however, the defender is now setting his sights toward a debut AFC Asian Cup campaign in Qatar
- READ MORE: Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Revealed
- READ MORE: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Notes: Maiden call-ups, Potential debutants and returning players
- READ MORE: Talking Points - Graham Arnold on squad selection
Cameron Burgess enters Graham Arnold's AFC Asian Cup 2023™ having previously made three appearances for Australia, all in 2023, after making his debut against Mexico on September 9th.
Having captained the nation's under-23s all the way back in 2016, the 27-year-old never lost hope in his dream to one day represent the Subway Socceroos, as he explained during his first international camp, in the United States.
“I always knew I could be involved and be a part of it. Obviously, you can't control what happens in your career all the time so it's just a case of working hard, getting the head down and doing all the right things."
“I’m just proud to be a part of it now. It doesn't matter when it comes, it’s always a special moment."
Fast-forward four months and the Ipswich Town defender has now started 20 matches in the Championship this season, having helped his side to second in the league table.
For him, the call up to the Asian Cup squad is a special moment, as he explained in a recent interview with the East Anglian Daily Times.
Obviously it is something that I am very proud to be able to do,
“Ever since I’ve been involved with the Australian national side, we’ve played some big opponents. Our attitude is much the same as it is here at Ipswich – we’ll take anyone on, and I think we’ve shown that in our performances since I’ve been involved,” he said.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/IpswichTown/status/1737987925525020739
Speaking on the Asian Cup, Burgess feels the players have what it takes to go deep into the tournament.
“I’m confident enough that we can go and do the best we can in the tournament. Obviously, nothing is handed to you, but something we’ll look to do as a team is to attack in every game and look to get as far as we can in the tournament and hopefully go and win it.”
The Perth-born defender understands the impact that his Ipswich teammates have had on his progression into the national team, and explained that the feeling was bittersweet, as he also wants to continue to help Ipswich on their promotion goal.
“It will be a little bit. It has been the things I’ve done with my teammates and coaches here that have got me to that level and that stage, for which I owe them a lot,” he said.
“So, while it’s a little bit bittersweet, I have all the faith in the world that if I’m not going to be here for a little bit of time, I know they will do their utmost in my absence.”
AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ - Australia's Group B Matches
Australia v India
Date: Saturday, 13 January 2024
Venue: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Kick-off: 2:30pm local, 10:30pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Syria v Australia
Date: Thursday, 18 January 2024
Venue: Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local, 10:30pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Australia v Uzbekistan
Date: Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Kick-off: 2:30pm local, 10:30pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
A PDF version of the Match Schedule can be found HERE