Bizarre call-up set to cost Australia’s best rising talent a shot at World Cup glory with Garang Kuol BLOCKED from crucial A-League clashes – as Mariners teammate tells the teenager to ‘be free and enjoy himself’
The World Cup dreams of rising star Garang Kuol have been all-but dashed after he was bizarrely called up to represent the Young Socceroos.
Central Coast Mariners striker Kuol, 18 – regarded by many in football circles as Australia’s standout emerging talent – was this week selected for three qualifying games abroad for the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.
Australia’s under-20s squad will take on Iraq, India and Kuwait between October 14-18.
Kuol’s selection mean he will not be able to line up for the Mariners in the A-League after being loaned back to the club by EPL side Newcastle United, effectively ruling him out of World Cup contention.
Given Kuol recently made his full international debut versus New Zealand, the decision is baffling.
It also comes after coach Graham Arnold stressed the importance of A-League players ‘hitting the ground running’ as they look to impress before he chooses his final squad of 26 for Qatar.
The World Cup dreams of rising star Garang Kuol appear to have been dashed after he was called up to represent the Young Socceroos (pictured, on his senior debut versus New Zealand)
The teenager is regarded as a superstar in the making, and recently signed a multi-year contract with EPL side Newcastle United
‘I find it really hard to understand,’ Mariners boss Nick Montgomery told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘We’ve had a three-month pre-season, and now we are losing players in the A-League to go and play in an [under-20s] Asian Cup qualifier.
‘To take him [Kuol] out, obviously, it’s hard for us, and it’s hard for the Australian public who want to see him in the A-League.’
Kuol will leave the Mariners in January after he recently signed a multi-year deal with Newcastle United worth an estimated $500,000.
Without a work permit, he is tipped to go out immediately on loan, with Portugal the likely destination.
As the hype on Kuol intensifies, Mariners teammate Jason Cummings had a simple message for the raw teenager – be free and enjoy yourself.
Kuol, 18, scored four goals in nine appearances off the bench last season for the Mariners in the A-League
He also caught the eye on the world stage when representing the A-League All Stars versus football giants Barcelona in May
‘Away from football, he’s just a normal kid. He’s a good lad and he’s humble,’ the Scottish born Socceroos striker said.
‘He keeps his feet on the ground. He doesn’t let it (talk) get to him, he’s taking everything in his stride.
‘Everyone can see he’s a world class player. He’s only 18, so he’s got a bright future.’
The Mariners start their A-League campaign with a derby against the Newcastle Jets in Gosford on Saturday.
Kuol, who scored four goals in nine appearances off the bench last season, is poised to be in Montgomery’s starting XI.
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