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Having captained the side during the last few camps, Bridge was considered a near certainty to take his place on the plane to Beijing, but for Musialik, today’s news is a dream come true.

He wasn’t sure he’d get the opportunity after being dropped from the under 23s squad for missing a training camp earlier this year.

“For a little while there I did think that I could have stuffed it up for myself, you know what I mean, or made it very difficult for myself so I suppose at the end of the day the main feeling is relief.”

Bridge says the inclusion of his long-time team-mate is an added bonus, on top of his own selection.

“Yeah me and Stuey have sort of gone through under 20s, Newcastle and the under 23s together, so we sort of know each other’s game inside out which is always a good thing for both the Aussie team and Sydney, so yeah looking forward to it.”

Both Bridge and Musialik believe the Olyroos will be real medal contenders in China, and they’re glad the count-down to the Games is almost over, after a gruelling qualifying campaign.

“It’s been a long 2 years of preparations, a lot of camps, a lot of trips to country’s I don’t want to go to again probably, but yeah good to be there and excited that it’s right around the corner”, said Bridge.

“Would’ve made it very difficult if I’d come back during the season once the season had started and went straight off the bat, straight into playing with them so to get that game under my belt with them, you know it’s going to pay off in the end I think.”

The pair’s selection means they’ll miss Sydney FC’s Pre-Season Cup campaign, and the start of the Hyundai A-League season.

With that in mind, Musialik is happy he had the chance to make his debut for Sydney FC, last night against Sutherland.



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