Melbourne Victory defender, Dylan Ryan, has been called up to the Olyroos squad for the upcoming training camp and friendly matches in Spain.
Ryan, who is on-loan from Dutch side Willem II, will join the national side after Victory’s final away game of the season against Western United.
The 20-year-old and the Olyroos will face friendly competition from the likes of Republic of Ireland and Mexico in preparation for Tokyo 2020, where Ryan hopes to earn a place.
“It’s important for me to go over there and gel with the players,” said Ryan.
“We’re all fighting for the chance to go to the Olympics and I would like to go and secure my spot.
“It has always been a dream of mine to go to the Olympics, to represent my country and I don’t want to let this opportunity slide,” said the defender.
The selection of players will be guided by Seoul 1988 Olympian and current Young Socceroos Head Coach, Gary van Egmond, as well as National Technical Director and Joeys Head Coach, Trevor Morgan, in Marbella.
Van Egmond and Morgan will have the opportunity to assess the squad in training and matches against a diverse set of opponents and provide recommendations to Olyroos Head Coach, Graham Arnold, who will be with the Socceroos in the Middle East, ahead of Australia’s final squad selection for the Olympic tournament.
The Olyroos’ final squad selection for Tokyo 2020 is due to be announced in late June, before the team assembles in Japan for a training camp in early July.
The Olyroos’ friendlies are listed below:
Match 1: Australia v Republic of Ireland (U-21)
Date: Wednesday, 2 June 2021
Kick-off: 1:00pm local; 9:00pm AEST
Match 2: Australia v Saudi Arabia
Date: Saturday, 5 June 2021
Kick-off: TBC
Match 3: Australia v Romania
Date: Tuesday, 8 June 2021
Kick-off: 8:00pm local; 4:00am AEST Wednesday, 9 June
Match 4: Australia v Mexico
Date: Saturday, 12 June 2021
Kick-off: 8:00pm local; 4:00am AEST Sunday, 13 June
