Who’s James Overy? Australia name up Manchester United teenager but to make first-team debut

Manchester United teen James Overy has not performed any senior membership soccer however Australia coach Tony Popovic says the defender may make his World Cup squad subsequent 12 months.

Popovic has included the 18-year-old in his squad for friendlies in opposition to Venezuela and Colombia because the Socceroos construct towards the 2026 finals in North America.

“He is value taking a look at,” Popovic informed reporters.

“I am very open minded about what that appears like for the quick future and long run.”

The correct again performed in final month’s under-20 World Cup in Chile however has but to function in United’s senior group regardless of being extremely regarded.

“Watching him carefully in Chile, I used to be impressed,” Popovic mentioned.

“We’ve got good contacts at Man[chester] U[nited], so we all know what he’s doing at coaching, we all know how a lot he trains, how a lot he trains with the primary group.

“He’s getting video games with the under-18s, the under-21s, and he is within the course of the place he is getting known as up (to first group coaching) much more usually.”

The Socceroos meet Venezuela on Friday in Houston, Texas earlier than enjoying fellow World Cup qualifiers Colombia in New York subsequent week.

Overy is amongst seven uncapped gamers within the squad as Popovic appears to be like to construct depth earlier than the World Cup.

One other is Al Hassan Toure, the older brother of striker Mohamed Toure, who has six caps for the Socceroos.

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Sydney FC ahead Al Hassan scored a current hat-trick for the A-League group, and Popovic mentioned employees had been impressed with the 25-year-old’s energy and velocity.

“(He is) a bit of bit totally different to what we have got,” mentioned Popovic.

“We wish to see now in our surroundings how that appears. We’re additionally conscious that he did not have an incredible pre-season when it comes to his health and the way a lot he educated.

“He has proven glimpses within the A-League up to now which we really feel has potential to perhaps be chosen for the World Cup squad. And if not, one thing for the longer term.”

Reuters