Sydney FC youngster Terry Antonis is desperate to play a part in the Socceroos AFC Asian Cup 2015 journey, in front of his home crowd against Oman at Stadium Australia tonight (kick off 8pm).
While he’s not certain of game time, Antonis said just putting on the Green and Gold jersey is an amazing feeling as he saddles up alongside players he only used to see on television.
“It’s really exciting and a pretty amazing experience to be a part of the squad,” he said.
“[Being involved in that first match] was something I had dreamt of since I was young a boy, being able to be a part of a Socceroos squad.
“Walking on the field at a packed stadium in Melbourne, especially representing your country and playing on home soil is a massive thing.
“It’s a great feeling playing with some of the older boys, I’ve been overwhelmed,” he continued.
“You’ve been watching them since you were young and now playing for your country and actually being with players you’ve watched as a child since you can remember is pretty amazing.
“It would be something special [to play in Sydney] but anytime, any game time, even if it’s a couple of minutes it would mean a lot to me to represent my country but not just that, just to put on the green a gold shirt and take the field with all the big boys.”
Antonis was full of praise for Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou, saying there were few differences between him and Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold, as he said he’s expecting a tough clash against Oman.
“Ange is a great coach,” he said.
“It’s my first time working under him and it’s still pretty early because I’ve only been working under him for a couple of weeks but he’s an amazing coach and all the boys like him.
“Arnie and Ange aren’t that different, they’re both amazing coaches and there’s not that much difference at all.
“Oman are a tough side, no team in our group is easy, but the boys will be up for it,” he continued.
“All the boys were pumped after the win on Friday but it was only our first game and we need to keep on going.”
Being involved in his first major tournament, Antonis is eager to learn as much as he can as he relishes the experience of being a part of the camp.
“Everyone wants to win the Asian Cup,” he said.
“But personally being a part of the boys, being a part of the camp and being able to be here is an amazing feeling and just learning everything. I’m only young and I want to learn as much as I can.”
The Socceroos take on Oman tonight at Stadium Australia (kick off 8pm) before travelling to Brisbane to take on South Korea on Saturday.
THE BIG GAME PACK – Sydney FC face some tough competition in a short space of time and we have bundled the games together for a great package, with savings of over 30% on single game ticket purchases. See the Sky Blues take on the Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Mariners, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City for a discounted price and receive exclusive Members’ benefits! CLICK HERE!
