The inaugural Junior Roos (U13s) recently returned from the five-day AFC Festival of Football in Sabah, Malaysia from 30 May to 6 June 2009.

Juric told au.fourfourtwo.com that he is sure at least two or three of his young charges will be the Harry, Timmy and Lucas of the 2018 World Cup and beyond.

"I'd guarantee two, but then you'd say five or six if they're given the right pathway development," he said.

Juric was careful not to mention any names as to not put any added pressure on his youngsters. It was the first time an Australian U13 team had played together and the results and performances pleased the coach.

"In terms of passing the ball, playing football and know-how of the game, our team was a standout. But we did come up against some big boys who belted us around a little bit, but they [the opposition] never played football," he said.

Juric in conjunction with Han Berger (national technical director) deliberately chose players based on future potential rather than size - a common ploy at that age level where height and strength differences can make a great difference.

Despite this, the side produced an excellent return with just two losses in ten games (five wins, two losses and three draws). The games featured modified formats with shorter games rather than the regular 45 minute halves.

Despite sizzling hot weather and poor pitches, the tournament was a hugely valuable learning curve for some players who it's expected will eventually represent the Socceroos in Asia in years to come.

The tournament provided a unique opportunity to gauge where we are in terms of our young talent compared to Asia's best at that age. And Juric liked what he saw.

"The tournament was all about development," he said.

"There were bigger boys at the nationals who'd have done better but we've gone with players who might have been small but they will be the players who will for Australian in the future... which is the first time we've sort of done that."

It's believed there will be a national U/14 boys team next year with the concept of a junior Socceroo team looking likely to be a regular part of our national development program.

The Squad:

Leo Athanasiou (Cockburn City/WA), Thomas Beadling (Perth SC/WA), Richard Blanco (Sutherland Sharks/NSW), Jordan Brown (Monash City JSC/VIC), Noah Chianese (Blacktown City Demons/NSW), Daniel De Silva (Stirling Lions/WA), Jerome Dunphy (Noarlunga/SA), Vincent Giannini (Sydney Olympic/NSW), Benjamin Hombert (Inglewood/WA), Brandon Lundy (Manly United/NSW), Kevin Ly (Blacktown City Demons/NSW), Dimitar Mitkov (South Melbourne JFC/VIC), Jordan Nadalin (Blacktown City Demons/NSW), Aiden Naughton (North Queensland Football/QLD), Matthew Ntoumenopoulos(ECU Joondalup/WA), Conor O'Neill (The Gap/Queensland), Milos Ridesic (South Melbourne JFC/VIC), Christopher Skull (Birkalla West Torrance/SA), Jordan Thurtell (Sunshine Coast Football/QLD), Okan Nabi Tuna (Richmond SC/VIC), Jaiden Walker (South Lismore/N NSW) and Benjamin Warland (Campbelltown/SA)

*The Australian U14 girls team are soon to take part in the female edition of the same AFC event, to be held in Vietnam.