The 18-year-old, affectionately known by his teammates as "Ozzie", was honoured to be included in Head Coach Jan Versleijen's Australian National U-20 squad team which will feature in a four- team tournament in Argentina between 22 July and 31 July.

"It's very exciting - it's my first ever national team," Malik said from Mandurah in Western Australia, where he's preparing for the Fury's Match against Perth Glory on Saturday night.

"I trained in the 30-man squad earlier this year but it will be amazing to run out onto the field for Australia."

Malik will join his national teammates in Sydney on Monday for a two-day camp before flying out on Wednesday.

It means he'll miss the Fury's Hyundai A-League pre-season clash with Brisbane Roar FC at Townsville's Tony Ireland Stadium on 26 July.

Despite that, North Queensland coach Ian Ferguson is happy to let his young charge have the week away.

"Every kid who gets an opportunity to play for their country needs to take it.

"We will miss him - he's a great lad, but it's a great for him and great for the club."

"He's an 18-year-old who's been chosen to play in the Australian under-20 team and that's fantastic for his future as player," said Ferguson.

Ferguson's stance is the opposite of Gold Coast boss Bleiberg who has been reluctant to lose Tahj Minniecon for the same tournament.