"Tony Popovic has declared teenage Manchester United sensation James Overy a chance to make the Socceroos' World Cup squad next year, even though he is yet to play a competitive senior match. The highly-touted full-back only turned 18 on Sunday but is now training regularly with the Premier League club's first team. Popovic selected Overy for this week's friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia as the Socceroos continue to prepare for next year's World Cup in North America."
"The right-back, who has also played as a winger and on the left side of defence, impressed in two matches for the Australian Under-20 side in last month's World Cup in Chile. Popovic said those appearances made him consider bringing Overy into the senior set-up, despite his lack of first team experience, and he has subsequently received positive feedback from Manchester United coaches."
"Although Popovic said the coming matches were partly focused on developing the Socceroos' depth, he is not ruling out picking Overy as a World Cup bolter. I just thought he's worth having a look at, and let's see, he said. I'm very open-minded with what that looks like for the immediate future and obviously long term. Overy is now training regularly with the first team at Carrington under Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim."
James Overy, 18, has been called into the Socceroos senior squad for friendlies as part of World Cup preparations. The versatile right-back has trained regularly with Manchester United's first team and appears in good form under manager Ruben Amorim. Overy impressed in two matches for Australia's Under-20 side at the World Cup in Chile, providing a key through ball for Max Caputo. National team management views him as worth evaluating for immediate and long-term roles. Coaches have given positive feedback, and the upcoming friendlies aim to build squad depth while keeping Overy's potential for a World Cup place open.
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