Glory goalkeeper Cameron Cook is set to acquire more international experience ahead of the new A-League campaign after being named in the Olyroos (Australia Under-23) squad for next month’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024TM Qualifiers, being held in Tajikistan.
Tony Vidmar’s 23-man squad will begin assembling in Dushanbe at the end of August to commence their preparations for group games scheduled for September 6th (v Laos) and September 12th (v Tajikistan) at the Republican Central Stadium, Dushanbe.
Australia have been drawn in Group I which consists of three rather than four teams after DPR Korea’s recent withdrawal from qualification.
To qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024TM, Australia will need to finish as group winner or be one of the four best second-placed teams among all eleven groups.
Should the Subway Olyroos be successful in qualifying for next year’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024TM, the tournament will also double as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which Vidmar said only provides further motivation for his playing group.
“To represent your country at an Olympic Games is special and the significance of that opportunity isn’t lost on this group of players,” he said.
“We need to be at our best in this first phase and make sure we can effectively execute our plans, giving us an opportunity to progress to the Asian Cup and beyond.
“We want to give our players the best environment to help them succeed and ultimately earn opportunities like playing at an Asian Cup or an Olympic Games as this only goes to helping their development both on and off the pitch.”
Cook, who turned 22 on Wednesday, was a part of the U-23 squad which took part in the Maurice Revello Tournament in France earlier this year having made 17 A-League starts for Glory last season.
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