Botic again in Olyroos squad

Western United striker Noah Botic will head to France next month as the Olyroos prepare to take part in the prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament.

Botic’s selection comes off the back of a superb 2022-23 A-League Men’s campaign, where he broke into Western United’s first team and scored six goals.

The 21-year-old won United’s young player of the season and golden boot awards and was recognised with an Olyroos call-up in March, scoring in a friendly win against club side Como 1907.

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato said playing in such a prestigious international tournament would be a special experience for Botic.

“We are delighted that Noah will have this opportunity to play in such a widely recognised and respected competition against highly talented opposition,” he said.

“This opportunity has come from Noah’s work ethic and commitment to developing and improving as a footballer over the past 12 months.

“We are extremely proud of Noah’s development and look forward to watching his and the team’s progress at the Maurice Revello Tournament next month.”

Formerly known as the Toulon Tournament, the annual youth international showcase has helped unearth some of world football’s biggest stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Javier Mascherano.

Australia will be sending a team to the tournament for the first time in this the 49th edition, the first coming all the way back in 1967.

Australia has been drawn in Group B alongside fellow Asian Football Confederation nation Qatar, African side Togo and Mexico, which claimed the bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

A minimum of four games are guaranteed at the tournament, with teams unsuccessful in reaching the semi-finals still offered the chance of playing a ranking game after the group stage.

Botic will head to camp at the end of the month before Australia’s first match at the tournament takes place on June 6 against Qatar.