Western United hot-shot Noah Botic says he isn’t focusing on his future despite the fact his current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 23-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 11 goals in 21 league matches to help propel Western United up into second on the ladder.
However his contract status has been a constant topic of discussion throughout the course of the season with Botic yet to commit his future to the club beyond the remainder of the current campaign.
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“It’s something that me and my family have been discussing for the past couple months,” Botic told Total A-Leagues.
“Me and my agent as well. I’ve been having a chat with the boss as well and get his intake, and then obviously, get as much information and opinion from different people as possible to know what the right move is for myself.
“It’s something I’m not focusing on the moment. Obviously, I’m here at Western (and) playing as much as possible is what’s going to help me to get interest.
“Obviously, it’s up in the air, but all I’m focusing on is playing my football here at Western to help us hopefully win a trophy.”
After what’s been a blistering season so far in the Isuzu UTE A-League the 23-year-old striker is believed to have interest from clubs in England, Scotland and the Netherlands.
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However, despite his excellent form Botic was overlooked for the most recent Socceroos squad for the key clashes against Indonesia and China, with head coach Tony Popovic opting instead for Perth Glory’s Adam Taggart and Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi.
“Of course, any person in the moment you feel a bit of frustration, but at the end of the day, it’s Poppa’s decision, and I respect his decision about who he plays and who he picks,” said Botic when asked about missing out on selection.
“Obviously the team that he selected did well to win their two games and obviously, you know, it showed.
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“He’s not a coach that has no idea what he’s doing. Obviously, you pick those players for a reason. I respect that decision.”
Asked specifically about his recent ‘phone ringing’ goalscoring celebration, the 23-year-old cheekily added another reminder to the Socceroos boss.
“So it’s honestly, you know, if you want some goals, just give me a call.”
Key to Botic potential extending his stay at Western United could be Socceroos great and current head coach John Aloisi.
“I came with him since the since the very beginning, when he first arrived as well,” said Botic when asked about the influence Aloisi has had on him.
“That was the main reason why I wanted to come to Western was to learn off him, and the amount of experience he’s had.
“We always have shooting sessions as much as possible, at least once or twice a week throughout the season.
“But it’s been good to learn off him every kind of little detail, minor detail, he’ll tell you something you think, ‘okay, that’s something that they must do overseas.’
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“It’s a lot different to how we do it here. When I was in Germany, the amount of shooting sessions and different kind of little techniques and stuff that you learn and practice and stuff it’s good to bring back here and to keep practicing it.
He added: “It just kind of makes you a better player in those little areas around the box or outside the box as well. He’s been a massive influence.”
Currently leading Western Sydney’s Nicolas Milanovic and Adelaide’s Archie Goodwin by one goal, Botic will be hoping to cement his spot at the top of the Golden Boat standings this weekend when Western take on bottom-side Perth Glory.
