Around the Grounds: Roar midfielder O’Neill proud to play for country and family

When Aiden O’Neill pulls on an Australia Under-23 jersey it’s not only about the pride of representing his country, it’s also a family affair.

O’Neill and the rest of Gary van Egmond’s 24-player squad will be joining up for a pair of friendly matches against New Zealand Under-23s, on Friday in Wollongong and next Tuesday in Campbelltown.

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The contests serve as a chance for the promising young Aussies to gel ahead of their 2020 Olympic Games qualifying tournament, the AFC Under-23 Championships, in Thailand in January.

Brisbane Roar midfielder O’Neill feels great pride at wearing the green and gold, but the games in New South Wales are also a rare opportunity for him to run out in front of all of his family and friends.

“I’ve actually got a lot of family in Sydney,” said O’Neill. “They’ll be coming along to watch the game.”

“It’s a good opportunity for people to come out and watch the Australia Under-23s.”

Not long to go now!#AUSvNZL #GoAustralia https://t.co/zs9jXGNgit

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) August 29, 2019

The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Premier League Burnley, added: “When Australia comes calling, it’s a privilege to play for your country.

“There’s nothing better than putting on the Australian jersey and representing your country and your family proudly.”

“I’m just excited to be getting back in with the boys and working towards our goal which is qualifying for the Olympics.”

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Inman excited with Roar progress after lifting inaugural Surf City Cup

Robbie Fowler’s side backed up their 1-0 win against Perth Glory on the Gold Coast on Friday with a 3-1 triumph against Newcastle Jets on Sunday.

Inman notched a brace after young forward Mirza Muratovic put the Queenslanders in front, while Nick Fitzgerald scored in response for Newcastle at the Croatian Sports Centre.

The back-to-back wins saw Roar crowned the first ever Surf City Cup winners ahead of Glory and Jets’ battle for second place on Tuesday night.

“It’s all new to me, it’s exciting,” Inman told brisbaneroar.com.au.

“Newcastle are a good team and they showed it in the second half especially, they pressed us well and they got a goal back.

“I thought our boys were excellent today and we’re really gelling well together.”

Big week done & dusted ✅

📸 @photo_paulsmith #RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/Ue2a0IlJJI

— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) September 1, 2019

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Rufer finds shooting boots in pre-season

Alex Rufer may not have scored in his 46 career Hyundai A-League appearances but Wellington Phoenix’s opponents may need to watch out during the 2019/20 season.

Rufer hit the target in style in the Nix’s 3-0 pre-season win against a Capital Football Central Select team at Weka Park.

😱😱😱 How about this finish from yesterday!

📂 Pre-Season
└📁 Top Bins
└📁 Alex Rufer#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo pic.twitter.com/xajjmjZXjY

— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) September 2, 2019

Teenager Ben Waine netted twice in the victory, while Louis Fenton made his return from foot surgery after five months on the sidelines.