Mitchell Glasson admits it would be a dream come true to represent the Subway Joeys at the impending AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2023™, should he be selected in the final 23-player squad.
The 17-year-old has been a regular in Brad Maloney’s side in the past year, involved in the AFC U17 qualifiers held in Shepparton last October and was recently named in the extended squad of 28 players.
READ MORE: How to watch Australia at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™
Glasson scored five goals across the three matches as Australia topped Group G with nine points.
“I think ever since I've been a kid, it's always been a dream to put on the green and gold and represent your country,” Glasson said.
“It’s something you love doing and to represent them at the AFC Asian Cup is just, like speechless, to put it that way.
“Like, dream come true and just hard work.”
The Aussies have been pitted in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, China PR, and Tajikistan.
Glasson insisted the Subway Joeys can compete with any side regardless of the personnel.
“I think the boys in the whole of the 28 (squad), from working with them previously, like when we're together, we're like one big family,” he said.
“I know that we can put up a fight against any team no matter if it's in the AFC or if we go on to make the World Cup.”
He added taking one game at a time and playing each opponent on its merit will help achieve the team’s ultimate objective of reaching the semi-finals in order to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup, scheduled for later this year.
Predominantly a striker, Glasson currently plies his trade with Sydney FC’s youth team, playing between the under 20s and NPL 1 side.
Prior to his two years with the Sky Blues, Glasson’s journey with the beautiful game began when he was around five years old and soon joined his local club Liverpool Rangers.
After a few years with the Rangers and then Sydney Juniors, Glasson felt like he needed a new challenge, and was selected by Southern Districts Raiders in the NPL 2.
“I made the move and wanted to play at a higher level and thought I was good enough and started training harder,” he continued.
Impressing with SD Raiders, Glasson moved to Sydney FC’s youth system and has continued to go from strength to strength.
Indeed, Glasson also had the honour of wearing the armband for his country at the U17 Antalya Youth Cup back in February.
“That is like a dream to Captain your country,” he recalled with fondness.
“Brad has his leadership team, and I was fortunate to be in that team in Turkey. It was a great privilege and an honour.”
AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ - Australia's Group Stage Match Schedule
Australia v Saudi Arabia
Date: Friday, 16 June 2023
Venue: Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi
Kick-off: 5:00pm local, 8:00pm (AEST)
China PR v Australia
Date: Monday, 19 June 2023
Venue: Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi
Kick-off: 5:00pm local, 8:00pm (AEST)
Tajikistan v Australia
Date: Thursday, 22 June 2023
Venue: Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: 5:00pm local, 8:00pm (AEST)
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To see the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ Match Schedule CLICK HERE.