EXCLUSIVE: Youth traning camp set for Spain next month

Olyroos coach Josep Gombau will gather Europe-based Australian players in for a training camp in Spain next month.

Callum Elder

Callum Elder during the Premier League International Cup match between Leicester City and Benfica 2014. Source: Leicester City FC

It is understood Gombau, the former Adelaide United mentor, will hold the youth development camp in his native Spain during the March 20-28 FIFA international window.

Gombau held a training camp involving 26 A-League players on the Central Coast in January in place of the controversial tour of Hong Kong, which was cancelled after backlash from A-League coaches over losing their players.

Barnsley’s Australian defender Callum Elder, Tottenham goalkeeper Tom Glover and Oldham midfielder Aiden O’Neill are among those selected to join Gombau for the camp.

Elder, who signed with Premier League champions Leicester City in 2013, was loaned to Championship outfit Barnsley last month for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old has earned just one national cap, having played with the under-20's side in 2013, so is excited to be back in the green and gold and is determined to impress Gombau.

“I’ve been in contact with the FFA and Josep Gombau the manager,” Elder said.

“It’s definitely something I will take with both hands and look to be involved in as international football is a big goal of mine. I’m looking forward to working with him and for the national team.

“I’m just working hard to progress each season to play at the highest level I can and achieve international caps at the highest level,” he said.
The fullback, who has previously been on loan at Brentford and Peterborough, has so far made two appearances for the Tykes.

He was on the bench for Barnsley's 1-1 draw with Aaron Mooy's Huddersfield on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

“It’s all happened quite quickly, signing for Barnsley from Brentford,” Elder admits.

“I took the opportunity to come to Barnsley, they’re in a good position in the league. I was looking forward to being part of the squad for the run in to the rest of the season and hopefully getting into the playoffs.

Elder’s loan at Brentford last year was cut short because of a knee injury. But the left back said he “feels good now”.

“The next step is to try and build up my match fitness as soon as I can," he said.

"I’m just taking each week in my stride and trying to improve my game here at Barnsley.”


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3 min read
Published 24 February 2017 12:39pm
Updated 26 February 2017 4:53pm
By John Davidson

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