Australian Joey: Chris Bush clocks up the miles.

Australian Under 17 Joey Chris Bush talks to his Capital Football Coach John Mitchell after arriving back from the recent Youth International tournament in Japan.

Chris follows in the tradition of many ACT Joey stars. He plays in a centre midfield role not unlike predecessors Ned Zelic, Carl Valeri, and Kaz Patafta.

Chris is committed to his football. And he needs to be.

He travels from Goulburn to Canberra at least 4 times each week for training and games.

Chris scored a penalty in the penalty shoot in the first game against a Japanese College side.

Chris started all three games for the Joeys in the tournament proper.

Are you aware of the guys who have gone before?

"Yes, I know of them, but don't know them personally. I love to play professionally and play in Europe," said Chris.

"The international level is faster, players think quicker play faster. At first it was daunting, a bit scary, but you got to learn how to play more, use your body more physically and it got better as we played more games."

What do you feel you need to work on to play at that level?

"I suppose I need to physically use my body better. The players were bigger and strong. You have no time on the ball. It's all one touch, so I need to keep working on that."

Chris goes to Trinity Catholic College in Goulburn and travels straight after school three nights a week for training in Canberra.

"It makes it worth it when stuff like this happens."

"I want to stay in the Joeys, go to the Qualifiers (in October, in Singapore) and then to the World Cup, hopefully.

"It was an eye opener playing in a huge stadium in Japan, We had a few thousand at some games, that was the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of."

"We got to hold the kids hands when we walked out like they do on TV. We sang the National Anthem, it felt good really professional.

"I felt proud to be playing for my country."

The players were well supported.

"We had five or six support staff. They warmed us up properly, monitored our fluids and body weights each session. They made us drink, kept us hydrated and looked after us really well.

Who are your role models in Australian football.

"Harry Kewell, I really like him."

"I like to head overseas and make a lot of money."

After ten years in Australia please Chris so we can watch you in the A-League.

"Sure!"

Interestingly all the boys this week are focused on getting overseas. Fair enough. It may take another ten years of the A-League before young guys look to Australia as their first destination.

Still fantastic to see the young guys aiming high and at this rate the number of Aussies in the English Premiership this year(14), may well continue to rise as the ACT talent pool starts to emerge.

Good luck Chris, hopefully the journey to Canberra this week will be a little easier as you dream of your next Joey's adventure.