‘He’s been at the top level for a long time’: Newcomer Thomas ready to learn from the best
Lawrence Thomas is confident that he will emerge from his first Caltex Socceroos experience as an even better goalkeeper.
The Melbourne Victory gloveman was one of the first to arrive at the team's training camp in Busan, Korea, on Tuesday, and is looking forward to getting stuck in with the national team.
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It will give the 27-year-old the chance to work with renowned goalkeeping coach John Crawley, who has helped nurture the likes of Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic and – most recently – Hyundai A-League 2019 Grand Final hero Andrew Redmayne.
“He [Crawley] is a coach who I haven’t worked with before, but obviously I know him from the A-League,” Thomas told www.socceroos.com.au.
“Pretty much every keeper he has worked with has pushed on and been brilliant, so I’m looking forward to working with him and picking some stuff up.”
An Australia U-17 and U-20 international, this is Thomas’ first senior call-up and he is one of three 'keepers in the squad along with Sydney FC’s Redmayne and Mitch Langerak (based in Japan with Nagoya Grampus).
He is one of six potential debutants in Graham Arnold’s squad for next month’s friendly against Korea Republic.
While making his debut at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Friday, June 7 (9pm kick-off AEST) would be a dream come true, Thomas is just happy to be alongside some of Australia’s best players.
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“I’m more excited for training every day, to pit myself against these top players and to really see where you’re at,” he said.
“It will be great to work with [Langerak] and gauge where I'm at. He’s been at the top level for a long time with [Borussia] Dortmund and now he’s playing in the J.League, which is a very high level.
“You can watch games but to be there in training and see where you are at up close, I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The Caltex Socceroos’ clash with Korea Republic will be broadcast live in Australia on FOX SPORTS and Network 10 (10 Bold).
