Josh Brillante says the experience he has gained playing at A-League level will help him perform at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Josh Brillante believes the experience he has gained playing at A-League level will hold him in good stead when he takes the field for the Young Socceroos at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey later this month.
The versatile Brillante made 22 appearances for the Jets last season, proving his value as both a central midfielder and fullback.
“I think it-s going to be very helpful going into a World Cup, to have that experience playing senior football against the older boys,” Brillante said.
“It-s good for our squad that we have a lot of players who have played in the A-League and I think that-s going to help us in Turkey.
“Going to a World Cup is an exciting experience for any player. The under 20 World Cup is the second biggest FIFA tournament there is, so it-s going to be awesome.”
Brillante has been an ever-present figure in the Young Socceroos squad since they began their World Cup qualifying campaign at the AFC U-19 Championships in November last year.
He said being through such a long qualifying campaign had helped the squad to develop a strong chemistry.
“Going into the World Cup we-ve had quite a few camps in a short space of time and a few of the overseas boys have joined us now too,” Brillante said.
“We had a two very tough friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany last month.
“We were beaten by the Netherlands, but did really well against Germany, so that will give us a bit of confidence for the World Cup.
“With a bit more training and preparation in camp leading up to the tournament, I think we-ll be a very tight group and playing well together.”
The Young Socceroos have been drawn in Group C along with Colombia, El Salvador and Turkey.
Brillante said winning their opening match against the Colombians on June 22 will be key to Australia-s hopes of progressing past the group stage.
“It-s going to be massive for us to get a good result against Colombia, because it will help get our confidence up for the next couple of group games,” Brillante said.
“We also play against the host nation Turkey, which will be massive as well.
“If we make it past the group stage, anything can happen after that and I think we could go pretty far.”
Brillante, along with Jets teammates Connor Chapman, Andrew Hoole and Adam Taggart, will go into camp with the Young Socceroos on Friday, before flying out to turkey on Tuesday.
