Daniel Marguš and Lachlan Brook both affirm there is a great sense of pride when being selected to play for the national team.
The duo join fellow teammates, Riley McGree and George Blackwood as the four Reds representatives called up into the Australia U-23 squad for the two impending international friendlies against New Zealand.
Marguš, who made his Adelaide debut in January 2016, said it was an incredible privilege to wear the iconic Green and Gold.
“I always love representing my country,” the goalkeeper said.
“It’s something that I always feel very privileged and honoured to do every time I get to pull on the shirt so it’s definitely what I strive for.”
The 21-year-old has represented Australia before at the U-20 level between 2016 and 2017.
He said his main objective in this upcoming camp is to impress the coaching staff.
“Just to impress the coaches really and just show them what I’ve got and what I’m capable of,” he said.
“Any time you get to go in and be with the boys and represent your country is a real honour, so I’m just looking forward to that.”
Fresh off scoring the winner for Australia in the AFF U-18 Final, @Lachlanbrook10 is ready to hit the ground running in red. 🔴 #AUFC
📰 Read more: https://t.co/IvAbLLFMH2
📸 Joe Janko pic.twitter.com/5MCcIgvMA6— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) August 25, 2019
Marguš also discussed how he is relishing the opportunity to work with Goalkeeping Coach and Club legend, Eugene Galeković on a daily basis.
“Euge is great, I’ve really enjoyed all the insight he has,” he said.
“And all the drills and stuff that we’re doing so I think it’s been beneficial towards me.
“I feel like I’m improving which is good and he’s a great guy as well, and obviously he’s got vast experience in the game so it’s always good to learn off him.”
Meanwhile, Reds youngster, Lachlan Brook is aiming to use his time with the Olyroos as another learning experience.
“A bit of experience and hopefully learn some things from all those players that are going and hopefully get a bit of game time,” Brook, 18, said after his maiden inclusion in the U-23 squad.
Brook believed having a solid tournament with the Young Socceroos at the AFF U-18 Youth Championship in Vietnam, where he scored the winning goal in the final against Malaysia on 19 August, contributed to his selection.
“I think it definitely contributes to it of course,” he conceded.
“But I’m humbled by it but it’s still just the first stage of everything so still have a lot to prove.”