Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns and Mark Bridge in Singapore

Bruce Djite: Aussie on the rise

OLYMPIC TEAM PLAYERS GIVEN CHANCE TO LEARN FROM THE QANTAS SOCCEROOS

The Qantas Socceroos have commenced preparations for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup with the majority of the squad arriving in Singapore and Head Coach Graham Arnold has boosted the depth of the team by adding Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns and Mark Bridge for training purposes.

The trio, all members of the Qantas under 23s squad that are currently in the process of seeking qualification for the 2008 Olympic Games, will return home after the team moves from Singapore to Bangkok ahead of the start of the AFC Asian Cup.

"The opportunity for these young players to mix and train with our best players is a unique experience that will continue to assist with their development," said Mr Arnold.

"It is important for Australian football that we continue to expose our young players to the environment of the national team and the knowledge they will pick up will be a huge benefit to them."


"With the Olympic qualifying program moving into the final stage soon the experience these players and Mark Milligan will get will help them enormously when they face the huge challenge awaiting them to get to Beijing."

Great move Arnie, I reckon this really aids the development of our next generation. Interesting three attackers were chosen as well.

Did Arnie pick the right players?