Uncapped trio's rapid rise to Socceroos selection

John Greco 1642893154,1642893154

The Socceroos' road to Qatar is about to reach a pivotal point over the next 10 days with a couple of vital FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers for Graham Arnold's troops.

Anticipation is reaching fever pitch ahead of the clashes against Vietnam and Oman and the excitement has only intensified with the release of Australia's 25-player squad on Friday.

While there is plenty of familiar faces and the return of some experienced stars to boost the Socceroos' hopes, it's the addition of three potential debutants that has really caught the eye.

Sydney FC left-back Joel King, Central Coast Mariners defender Kye Rowles and Melbourne City excitement machine Marco Tilio are three uncapped players looking to make their make on the national team.

We take a look at the three young guns looking to transfer their outstanding A-League Men's form into performing at the highest level in the Green and Gold.

Marco Tilio

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 18 months to be one of the real x-factors of the A-League Men's with Melbourne City.

Having come through the youth ranks at Sydney FC, managing just a handful of appearances for the Sky Blues first team, Tilio moved south for the 2020/21 Season.

It proved a wise move as he eventually forced his way into Patrick Kisnorbo's plans with a string of eye-catching performances off the bench.

Diminutive in stature, Tilio has the ability to beat defenders with his deft skill, electrifying speed and phenominal work-rate.

It's those traits that saw Tilio become a late call-up to Arnold's squad for last year's Tokyo Olympics, producing one of the highlights of the tournament with his deft long-range stunner that saw the Olyroos shock Argentina 2-0.

He's started the current A-League season in impressive touch too, scoring another screamer in the 3-3 draw with Western Sydney Wanders, impressing Arnold enough to give him a chance to be a dangerous weapon against Vietnam and Oman.

Marco Tilio scored a sensational goal for the Olyroos against Argentina at the Olympics

Joel King

It's hard to believe King is still just 21 given the way he has established himself as Sydney FC's first-choice left-back in recent seasons.

King has been a model of consistency for Steve Corica's side, impressing not only with his defensive positioning and ability to snuff out danger, but a willingness to get forward and join the attack at every opportunity.

Kye Rowles

The most senior of the uncapped trio in Arnold's squad, Rowles has cemented himself as one of the A-League's best defenders over the last few seasons.

After coming through the FFA Centre of Excellence in 2015, the tough-tackling centre-back got his first taste of the A-League with Brisbane Roar.

But it was his move to Gosford in 2017 that has proved the catalyst for Rowles' rise, going on to make more than 80 appearances for the Mariners in the last few seasons.

It's his development in the heart of defence that has seen Central Coast become a force once again, with Rowles a key figure in the club's rise back up the A-League ladder and taking out the prestigious Mariners Medal last season.

The 23-year-old is considered a future leader of the club and wore the skipper's armband in a recent FFA Cup tie, with Rowles' impressive performances in defence helping the Mariners reach this year's FFA Cup Final for the first time.

“I am super happy to be given the opportunity, and I am really looking forward to the experience," Rowles told the Mariners' website.

"It is a massive honour to represent your country and I am humbled to be involved in the Australian set up once again."