Melbourne Heart FC left-back Aziz Behich has received his first senior international call-up to the Qantas Socceroos.
Melbourne Heart FC left-back Aziz Behich has received his first senior international call-up to the Qantas Socceroos, after he was named in Holger Osieck-s 19-player squad to face the Korea Republic this morning.
Behich, 21, will feature in Osieck-s squad for the upcoming international friendly match against the Korea Republic at the Hwaseong Stadium, Hwaseong on Wednesday 14 November.
The call-up is Behich-s first to the Qantas Socceroos squad, although the left-back has pulled on the green and gold for the Qantas Olyroos, Australia-s national under-23s side, on five occasions.
Behich joins fellow Socceroos first-timer and former teammate and star striker Eli Babalj of Serbian SuperLiga side Red Star Belgrade.
Behich had been earmarked for the left-back role in the national team for his impressive performances in the Red and White, which have drawn glowing admiration from corners of the football fraternity.
“Aziz has continued to show marked improvement throughout each of the Club-s A-League campaigns and is one of the standout emerging players in the local game at the moment,” Heart Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn said.
“He has been in fantastic form already this season and deserves a call up to prove himself on the international stage.”
Behich-s breakout season came in Heart-s inaugural Hyundai A-League campaign in 2010/11, with the left-back earning the accolade of Supporters Player of the Year.
A revelation in Heart-s inaugural campaign, Behich emerged as one of the most impressive rising stars of the Hyundai A-League as he earned a Young Footballer of the Year nomination and selection to the Olyroos.
With experience in a Hyundai A-League Grand Final and AFC Champions League campaign, Behich has already scaled some of the greatest heights in the local game.
Upcoming Match Details
Korea Republic v Qantas Socceroos
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Hwaseong Stadium, Hwaseong, Korea Republic
Kick-off: 7.00pm local (9:00pm AEDT)
