Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar believes Kai Trewin is close to a Subway Socceroos call-up as he continues to impress in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Trewin has further emerged as a Socceroos candidate since joining City from A-Leagues rivals Brisbane Roar ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The talented 23-year-old defender has played every minute of City’s opening six league fixtures this campaign and Vidmar not only hailed his growth but future prospects.
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“We knew he was always a good player. Someone at his age before he came here 22 almost 23, playing 100 games of A-League that’s never easy to do. He definitely has qualities here,” Vidmar told reporters ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster showdown against history-making leaders Auckland FC at AAMI Park.
“But he’s just grown in the working he’s doing in the gym. The work we’ve been giving him that he takes on board very quickly.
“When you have a good mindset, you’re always wanting to learn and that’s what he is. He comes in everyday always picking up something, and always wanting to do well.
“He is a leader within his own right. He is not the vocal guy but when he has to say something, he says something.
“Firstly he is an exceptional person and he is going to be an exceptional player. I don’t think this is his last bus stop to be honest. I expect him to go onto bigger and better things.
“We’re just hoping that he can continue his form.
“For me, the Socceroo position shouldn’t be too far away because I think he’s been one of the most consistent defenders in the league.”
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Meanwhile, Vidmar revealed Socceroo Marco Tilio suffered a “setback” in his return from injury as the City boss also provided an update on Mathew Leckie’s fitness.
Tilio – on loan from Scottish champions Celtic – has not featured for City since their 1-0 win over Western United in November after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old has been plagued by injuries since signing for Celtic in 2023.
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It is a similar story for fellow Socceroo Leckie, who has only managed 30 minutes of action this season as he deals with injury problems. He has not been since his 18-minute cameo against Perth Glory on November 10.
“Lecks is again week by week. He hasn’t done much training,” Vidmar said.
“Tilio started also this week and having some issues again.”
On Tilio, Vidmar added: “He’s had a little setback this week. Nothing major but might push him back four or five days.”
Asked if the December 21 Melbourne Derby against Melbourne Victory was the target return date for Leckie, Vidmar replied: “That was the original plan and even that was Tilio’s plan for the Derby.
“But Tilio is more likely against Central Coast I would say, and hopefully Leckie too.”
