From Aberdeen to Australia: Souttar eyes ‘special’ Caltex Socceroos debut

Before last weekend, Harry Souttar had never been to Australia.

But before he leaves later this week, the 20-year-old defender hopes to be a fully-fledged Caltex Socceroo.

Souttar has been called into his third Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Chinese Taipei.

The Aberdeen-born centre-back – who has played for Australia at U23 level – has his sights on a senior national team debut in Thursday night’s clash with Nepal in Canberra.

“It would be very special, an extremely proud moment for me if it does happen and for my family, my mum especially,” said Souttar, whose mum comes from Port Headland in WA.

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“We’ve got to wait and see what the boss [Graham Arnold] does but fingers crossed it will come sooner rather than later.”

He added: “I’m extremely proud [to be a part of this squad].

“It’s a culture where everyone loves to come into camp, everyone has a smile on their face and enjoys their work first and foremost, but we’re here to do a job as well.

“It’s a good opportunity now to get two games and get six points.”

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Souttar’s first major taste of life on Australia soil was as part of the Caltex Socceroos fan day on Monday, where hundreds of fans converged on Deakin Stadium to watch the team train.

“There was a lot more fans there than I thought there would be. It was a great turnout,” the Fleetwood Town defender said.

“Lots of kids with their Australia tops on. It’s important for the fans to mix in with the players.

“We had a few activities with them and it was good to listen and talk to them.

“It’s always good to give back to the kids because obviously we were all kids growing up and that was our heroes out there and if you got the chance to meet them it was a dream come true,” he added.

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Australia v Nepal

Date: Thursday, 10 October 2019
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 8.00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: Tickets on sale HERE
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, ABC TV, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers