Cautious Amini keeping cool over Roos recognition

Uncapped Mustafa Amini has quelled any satisfaction at his inclusion in Ange Postecoglou's extended World Cup squad by insisting the job is only half done.

Mustafa Amini

Mustafa Amini Source: Getty Images

The 23 year old Aarhus midfielder has been bombarded by congratulatory texts and calls since before being named in Australia's initial 30-man squad for the looming qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.

But, with Postecoglou to pair that number down to 23 after this weekend's games, Amini is focused only on delivering a dynamic display against his former club Randers in the Danish Superliga on Saturday (ADT).
"I've been involved in a couple of extended squads before and there's a lot of work to do yet," declared Amini.

"I've been getting loads of messages and some people think I'm already in for the games coming up - I've just told everybody to relax because seven players are going to be cut this weekend.

"Of course it's great to be noticed and to I now have to build on that and make sure I keep stepping it up.

"All I am thinking about now is the Randers game and doing well and helping us get three points we desperately need."

Amini is yet to claim his first cap for Australia but was called up to Holger Osieck's national team training camp in Germany in 2014

"Like every player it's always been my dream to be involved and play for the Socceroos," he said.

"I was part of the Under-23s and this would be the next big step.

"But, like I said, I'm not there yet and I'm not getting carried away at all."

After five years in Europe, first learning his craft at Borussia Dortmund and then graduating with Randers, Amini is pivotal player for Aarhus as they battle to avoid the drop at the tail end of the Danish season.

He has scored five goals in 24 league games and has been patiently awaiting his chance while Postecoglou has given a plethora of midfielders the chance to impress in recent camps.

Promising to shake up his selections to stave off any sense of entitlement which may have been creeping in, Postecoglou has been true to his word with his extended squad featuring a smattering of new faces.

Amini aims to make sure that his face becomes increasingly familiar.

"I believe I've matured a lot as a player and have a far better all-round game now after these years in Europe," added Amini.

"You always believe that you can do well for your country if the chance comes, and hopefully it will for me.
"We're blessed as a country with a lot of excellent midfield players and it's never for anybody to get picked.

"Let's see what happens after the weekend.

"I'm determined to take my chance if I get the opportunity."


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3 min read
Published 9 March 2017 8:46pm
By Dave Lewis

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