Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has warned against putting unfair expectations on Tom Rogic after the Canberra teenager was this morning named in his first national squad.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 19-year-old is one of several new faces in a 19-man Australian squad for next week's friendly with South Korea in Hwaseong chosen with one eye firmly on the 2014 World Cup.
Rogic is considered one of the few homegrown attacking midfielders in the country and punched his ticket with a stunning two-goal performance for the Central Coast Mariners in their 7-2 thumping of Sydney FC last Saturday.
While lauding the youngster's potential, Osieck wants to see Rogic develop his game before declaring him to be the next big thing of Australian soccer.
"He is a good boy, he has some special talent, but he is far from international level," Osieck said.
"He has all the ingredients to become a good player to represent Australia, but he's not there yet.
"In my experience, young players were put up to a level and never reached it.
"It can be more destructive than constructive."
Rogic's selection caps a stunning rise.
This time last year he was playing for Belconnen United in the ACT Premier League, having returned from England after winning the Nike Chance competition.
He was offered a deal with English club Reading but had to turn it down after being unable to secure a work permit.
Rogic's strong form in the A-League has led to speculation he could gain a move overseas during the January transfer window.
Rogic's inclusion doubles the ACT's representation, with experienced midfielder Carl Valeri retaining his spot in the squad and will make his 50th appearance for the Socceroos if he plays.
Melbourne Heart's Aziz Behich and Serbia-based Eli Babalj were the other first timers named in the team.Returning to the squad are fellow young guns Mathew Leckie and Matt Ryan while Perth Glory defender Michael Thwaite and Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson were rewarded for their strong form in the A-League.Next Wednesday's match at Hwaseong Stadium will serve as preparation for next month's East Asian Cup qualifiers, where it's expected Osieck will rely heavily on young and Australian-based talent.The squad to face 25th-ranked South Korea still features several European-based players, including goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Luke Wilkshere, while the likes of Tommy Oar and James Holland are expected to earn rare starts.Socceroos: Eli Babalj, Aziz Behich, Alex Brosque, James Holland, Mathew Leckie, Ryan McGowan, Matt McKay, Lucas Neill, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Nikita Rukavytsya, Mathew Ryan, Adam Sarota, Mark Schwarzer, Matthew Spiranovic, Archie Thompson, Michael Thwaite, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire.
