Corey Sutherland believes the Subway Joeys are well positioned to make a genuine tilt at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™, regardless who makes the final squad.
The young midfielder said it would be a tremendous honour to wear the Green and Gold at such an important tournament and be a testament to his tireless commitment to football.
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Sutherland was one of 28 players named in Brad Maloney’s extended squad which is set to be reduced to 23 before the event begins on 15 June.
“It would mean a lot, you know, it's a lot of hard work to get there,” Sutherland said if he was to make the final cut.
“But I hope it pays off. It would mean a lot to myself.”
The 16-year-old currently plies his trade with Perth Glory’s youth team, the club he has spent the past six years developing and honing his craft.
His other junior clubs include Cockburn City, Rockingham City and Curtin University.
Sutherland outlined the team’s principal focus is reaching the final four of the tournament to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™.
“Well it's to try and make the World Cup, try and make the World Cup and also try and win this Asian Cup as well,” he stated.
Sutherland was adamant in the team’s ability and belief to enjoy a successful campaign, admitting: “I think we're a confident bunch, I think we can do it.
“I don't see why not, it's not going to be easy.
“We know that, but I think we're good enough to go and get to the semis and hopefully try and win it, and then qualify for the World Cup as well.”
The prospect of competing on the international stage is something that also excites Sutherland intimating it would be a priceless opportunity.
“It would do a lot, you know," he said from a personal growth perspective.
“I'm getting showcased on the big stage and I also get to see what other countries are like, and it also raises my stock as well.”
Sutherland, who has been involved in the previous two camps with the Subway Joeys, including the AFC U17 qualifiers in Shepparton last year and the Antalya Youth Cup, went on to praise Maloney’s coaching style.
“He's a good coach, he knows a lot about the game tactically, and very excited about football and always talking about it,” he continued.
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.