To see the Young Socceroos return home today...

 

Central Coast play Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night night at Suncorp Stadium and Mariners coach Graham Arnold has drafted the 17-year-old into his 15-man squad.

Amini, who’d just arrived in the country after the AFC U19 Championships in China, remained at the airport before hooking up with his Mariners en-route to the sunshine state later in the day.

After the highs of the AFC tournament this was just another piece of good news for the playmaker with the mixed Nicaraguan and Afghani heritage.  

“I just got a call from the Central Coast today and I got to come back here at 3pm. So I’m in the 15-man squad. Hopefully Arnie gives me a go and I make my debut,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

Amini was just one of a number of Young Socceroos who caught the eye after a highly impressive run to the final before DPR Korea ended the dream with a 3-2 victory on Sunday night in Zibo.

Amini was still coming to terms with the loss but was proud of what Jan Versleijen’s side had achieved.

“It’s a great feeling to come runners-up," he said. "Second in Asia at U19 level - we got to the final for the first time.

"Could’ve bagged a win but …It just wasn’t our night. You could tell from the mistake at the end.

“All the boys played well. We actually played football, kept possession and we were the stronger team out there. We dominated everything.”

Amini’s highlight though was the quarter final victory over the UAE. The Young Socceroos triumphed 4-2 in extra time to confirm their spot at next year’s U20 World Cup in Colombia and set up a semi final showdown with Saudi Arabia.

"The UAE game. I scored in that game and it was the best feeling ever," he said. "The boys battled it out, it went to extra time and we went crazy. The best feeling ever."

He added: "The World Cup is the best thing ever." 

Now A-League fans might get a look at this talented youngster in a Mariners shirt, adding extra interest for tomorrow night’s clash between two of this season's best performing sides.

To see the Young Socceroos return home today...