Lowry 'officially' an Aussie
In the week that Ireland faced their World Cup playoff destiny, Shane Lowry was finally granted his clearance to play for Australia.
Lowry was given the all-clear just two days before the Asian Cup qualifier against Oman and although he didn-t get to make his debut, he finally feels like a full-blooded Qantas Socceroo.
“It-s a relief, it was hanging over my head a bit last time we were in camp (in Australia) and I didn-t know how long it was going to take. Now I-m officially Australian so to speak and I-m just really excited for the future,-- said the Perth-born defender.
Lowry did not make the team sheet but the 20-year-old said the experience of training alongside Australia-s stars was priceless as he aims to break into Aston Villa-s first team.
“It was a really good experience and the weather was nice in Oman compared to England where it-s getting cold,-- said Lowry, who-s on loan to Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
“Training was great, high tempo and it was nice to get in amongst the big boys again like Lucas and Tim. You see what they do at training and you can only pick up good habits.--
Lowry said the atmosphere in the rooms post match was brilliant after the come-from-behind win, but felt for his good friend Rhys Williams following his sending off.
“Everyone was buzzing afterwards because it was a tough game. Mark Schwarzer was unbelievable and deservedly got the man of the match award and the lads showed great fighting spirit and that-s what typifies Australia,-- Lowry said.
“But I was absolutely gutted for Rhys, it was one he couldn-t really avoid as it was more of a collision.--
Lowry was only recently drafted into the Australian squad after playing for Ireland-s u-21s.
He still keeps close tabs on Ireland and watched their gut-wrenching World Cup qualifying defeat to France.
“I still have ties to Ireland, I still watch their games and I still cheer them on. I want to see them do well, even though I-ve always seen myself as an Australian,-- he said.
“It would-ve been great if they got into the World Cup as well but it wasn-t to be.--
Now Lowry turns his attention to Plymouth, where he has helped them turn their season around since joining on loan.
“I-ve been quite happy with my performances, I got thrown in to see if I can handle it but it-s a team game and we-ve been working hard as a team,-- he said.
“The results are starting to turn, we-re out of the bottom three and hopefully a win against Leicester can propel us up the table.
“I-m on loan until December 20 and the manager has asked if I want to extend it, but that-s down to (Villa boss) Martin O-Neill.
“But I really just want to keep playing football.--