'Mentality is key': Garang Kuol reacts to maiden call-up at 17
As the old adage goes, age is just a number and if you’re old enough you’re good enough.
That principle adequately applies to Garang Kuol.
Following his inaugural inclusion in Graham Arnold’s 31-player squad for the impending friendly matches against New Zealand in Brisbane and Auckland respectively, the forward will easily be the youngest player in camp when he turns 18 on Thursday, 15 September.
In fact, he is the youngest player to be called up to a full Socceroos squad since Harry Kewell way back in April 1996.
READ MORE: All the potential debutants & Socceroos returning in September
When asked by a reporter if he believed he was good enough to be wearing the Socceroos tracksuit, Kuol responded confidently with an emphatic “of course”.
He then followed up with a more in-depth, articulate response.
“I think at this level of being an athlete mentality is key,” Kuol said at the Socceroos’ September squad announcement press conference.
“So regardless of age if you just go in full guns blazing wanting to prove yourself and be ruthless, you can achieve whatever you want.
“… I want to inspire young children to dream big and sky’s the limit.”
And for Kuol those dreams are on the verge of turning into a reality, with the attacker now in line to make his senior international debut for the Green and Gold.
Jason Cummings, a fellow teammate of Kuol’s with Central Coast Mariners, praised the youngster’s undeniable potential.
The Scottish-born striker is also expected to receive his first cap for his adopted country in the wake of his national team selection.
“They (fans) should be really excited,” Cummings explained.
“Just turning 18 tomorrow, he’s a great lad as well off the pitch which makes him an even better player.
“We all saw him at the All Stars (game against FC Barcelona) and he came on and he was unbelievable that night as well
“Last season he was a big player for us, coming off the bench and scoring some big goals.
“He’s a big game player, especially for a young lad so he’s got plenty of years to come as well, which is really exciting.”
Head Coach Arnold also lauded the talent Kuol possesses and insisted he fully deserved his chance.
“As Garang (Kuol) said it’s an opportunity for himself and he believes and you can tell by his answer how much he believes in himself,” Arnold said.
“It’s an area of the pitch that we need players, upfront, a winger with a one-v-one action and pace and can put the ball in the back of the net.
“We’re always looking for those players and again I don’t care what age they’re as long as they’ve got the ability and the quality, I’m more than prepared to look at them.”
