In Cambodia last March, Australia was one of the successful nations across Asia, ensuring progress along with South Korea in Group H. 

Consecutive 6-0 routs of the hosts and Chinese Taipei and a 2-2 draw with South Korea booked Graham Arnold's men's spot in the final stages of Olympic qualification.

Now, in January at the AFC U23 Championships in Bangkok, the Olyroos must be at their very best. 

It’s going to be tricky, as only the top three teams qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in July, though if hosts Japan end up in those final three spots, the fourth-placed side will advance.

Australia last played on the Olympic stage back in 2008, so the pressure is on to get back onto the big stage. 

We catch up on three current Olyroos and an exciting potential fourth who’s just arrived back in Australia after making his Bundesliga debut. 

THOMAS GLOVER

ON LOAN AT HELSINGBORG, SWEDISH ALLSVENSKAN

Glover was loaned out to Swedish club Helsingborg from his parent club Tottenham Hotspur in April.

He’s on loan till June 30 at the Allsvenskan outfit, who currently sit third bottom of the league.

Glover, who had a brief stint with the Mariners in 2017, has been on the bench for his Swedish club in recent times behind Par Hansson and Kalle Joelsson.

Glover, in Premier League 2 for Spurs against Southampton last season

Glover was one of 164 free agents from English Premier League clubs at the end of last season.

After June 30, it’s not clear whether the Swedish top-tier club will retain their Olyroo shot-stopper or he’ll move elsewhere after his release from the UEFA Champions League runners-up.

Glover’s Swedish club’s next game is on June 28 against Orebro as his loan spell ends.

RENO PISCOPO

AC RENATE, ITALIAN SERIE C

Good news for the Olyroos with the exciting striker set to start running next week in Melbourne as he rehabs a minor ligaments injury.

Piscopo has been back in his home town in recent weeks after his Italian season ended with his Lombardy-based club.

His club side finished with a 0-0 draw away to Rimini to end the Serie C season fourth last in 17th spot. 

Piscopo against South Korea in Cambodia

The exciting striker shone during the Olyroos’ recent campaign in South East Asia.

And will be a crucial cog as the side seeks to qualify for Tokyo 2020 next January in Bangkok.

 

PIERCE WARING

CEREZO OSAKA U23S, JAPANESE J3

The former Victory striker continues to hone his craft in Japan.

After a few injuries, the tall striker is back in the Cerezo 23s squad and looking fit.  

And according to the club, Waring clocked 35.8km/h in training last week! 

He started last weekend in a thrilling 3-2 loss to top side Roasso Kumamoto.

   SEE PIERCE'S GAME HERE   

The previous game in Japan, the tall Aussie began on the bench against Vanraure Hachinohe. 

His side is sixth after 11 games. 

 

GEORGE TIMOTHEOU

SCHALKE, GERMAN BUNDESLIGA1

The Canberra talent could be the big bolter in the Olyroos and perhaps the Socceroos over the coming year.

At 21 – he turns 22 in July – the Schalke defender is eligible for Australia’s Tokyo 2020 campaign.

The former Sydney FC youth player has been back in Canberra in recent weeks on his off-season break as he comes to term with his outstanding debut season at one of the big clubs in the Bundesliga.

His rise from being unwanted as a pro in Australia to a starting XI player in the Bundesliga has been one of the feel-good stories of the year.

More importantly, he could be a huge asset for the Olyroos and Socceroos over the coming decade.