Promising defender Trent Sainsbury is firming for an Asian Cup call-up as he makes the most of his opportunities with the Socceroos.
Central defence is the most hotly-contested position in Ange Postecoglou squad ahead of January’s tournament in Australia and Sainsbury appears to be giving himself an edge on some of his rivals.
WATCH THE LATEST A-LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS
The 22-year-old was one of the Socceroos’ best in Friday’s scoreless draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, helping to keep the nation’s first clean sheet in almost a year.
It followed an impressive debut against Belgium last month and the Dutch-based defender is growing in confidence at international level.
“This was my second match now so I was a bit more relaxed and calm on the ball,” Sainsbury told AAP.
“I’m just trying to assert myself in the group and it was another good experience for me but I’ve just got to keep preparing myself like every game could be my last.”
Veteran defender Alex Wilkinson has been a regular of late but Postecoglou could have plenty of options with Matthew Spiranovic, Curtis Good and Rhys Williams expected to return to fitness in time for the Asian Cup.
Bailey Wright is also in the mix after scoring on debut against Saudi Arabia last month while Western Sydney’s Nikolai Topor-Stanley is expected to get his chance against Qatar in Doha on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEDT).
Sainsbury’s recent progress could put him in the frame for a prominent role but he isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I’ve just got to keep doing the right thing for myself and try and keep clean sheets for the boys,” he said.
“At the end of the day if my performances warrant another call-up, that’s great, but if it doesn’t I know I’ve got to work on things.”
Sainsbury has been in and out of the starting team with his club PEC Zwolle, who sit third in the Eredivisie.
He moved to Europe from A-League side Central Coast in January and has enjoyed linking up with his former Mariners teammates Wilkinson and goalkeeper Mat Ryan in the Socceroos.
“We’ve got a good triangle at the back there and a good understanding with each other,” Sainsbury said.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Socceroo Cameron Burgess has put Ipswich within touching distance of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Coventry in the English Championship. Kieffer…
Who stood out from the Australians both here and overseas in a busy week of the world game? Goalkeeper - Mathew Ryan- 3-0 win…
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
