Silvera feels 'privileged' to represent Socceroos in Asian Cup

The Asian Cup will be the first taste of a major international tournament for Subway Socceroos winger Sam Silvera.

Selection in the squad for the 23-year-old was earned after finding form for Middlesborough in the Championship during 2023.

He has picked up four goals and three assists in all competitions for his club side so far this season.

When asked how it feels to be representing Australia at the Asian Cup, he said: “Honestly, it's a massive privilege.”

He added: “Thank you to Arnie (Graham Arnold) for putting the trust in me, to have the confidence in me, hopefully I can repay him when I get on the pitch.

“We're going to work hard, and the focus is obviously to go out and do our best, and for myself as well do my best for the team.”

As one of the newer members in the squad, Silvera said his focus for the first few days in camp was to mix in with his teammates.

“I think the first couple days has been just getting amongst the boys and having a good laugh and getting the camaraderie going,” he said.

“But I think we have an amazing squad here, and I think with the talent that we have in this squad, we can do really well in this tournament.”

And for fans wanting to know a little bit more about what they can expect from Silvera, he explained his preferred position.

“It's more of the left side which suits my game and where I feel more comfortable if, I do have the option to pull out wide or drift I can, and it does suit me better,” he said.

“Hopefully I can continue club form into this tournament.”

Silvera is hoping to use this tournament and this experience as a learning curve with the national team.

He said: “I think this tournament right now is a good place for me to learn, especially with some of the boys that have been here before.

“The experience that I can gain from this, whenever Arnie needs me, I'm going to put my best foot forward and hopefully I can get more and more experienced as it goes on.”

One thing is for sure, Silvera understands the Socceroos spirit already after just a short time in the squad.

"I think the the attitude every game is go out and do our best no matter the opponent, we are there to win and showcase what what Australia can do," he said.

"That's what we're going to do every game."