Fast-starting Silvera ready for ‘exciting’ Mexico test

Sammy Silvera’s transition to English football with Middlesbrough has gone better than even he expected as he prepares for the Socceroos match with Mexico. 

Silvera’s standout season with Central Coast Mariners earned the tricky winger a move to English Championship outfit Middlesbrough. 

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He has been a regular part of coach Michael Carrick’s starting side, starting four out of the North Yorkshire-based outfit’s first five league outings. 

Silvera was not expecting to hit the ground running as well as he has, but is emphasising the need to continue the hard work he is currently putting in. 

“Honestly, it's just surreal. I'm still just trying to believe it’s happened. It's been an amazing learning curve for me, especially since it's been so quick, and now I'm hoping to learn more,” Silvera said. 

“I thought there would be a bit of an adaptation period, but I've adapted really well.

“I'm just grateful for the minutes that I'm getting, and I’ve got to keep putting the hard work in.

“Every time I step on the pitch, I’ve got to play as hard as I can, and I’m going to continue to do that.”

Part of his swift adaptation to life at Middlesbrough has been the familiar faces around the club. 

Socceroos regular Riley McGree is going into his fourth year at the club, while recently selected goalkeeper Tom Glover also made the move across in the off-season. 

“Coming to the club first before signing, I spoke to Riley [McGree], and he told me about how it was in there, obviously to learn that Tom was coming as well,” he said.  

“So it's been great to have them there to adapt to life there.”

Silvera’s attentions now turn to Mexico on Sunday, where he could make his first appearance in the green and gold. 

He is relishing the challenge of facing a team ranked in the top 12 of the world as he looks to push his way into Graham Arnold’s plans. 

“It's really exciting,” he said. 

“They have a lot of great players and have had a lot of success. 

“But, the focus is here, and we are going to learn from the players that have been here, continuing on from the amazing couple of games they [Australia’s squad] had at the World Cup.

“I just want to continue that and hopefully add some more to this team.”