Nishan Velupillay spoke about his childhood dream of playing for the Subway Socceroos after the uncapped Melbourne Victory forward was called up for the first time.
Velupillay is one of five Isuzu UTE A-League-based players in Tony Popovic’s first Socceroos squad since replacing Graham Arnold as Australia prepare for two important 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.
The 23-year-old’s inclusion along with Victory teammates Jason Geria and Daniel Arzani is part of a big shake-up, with the Socceroos winless through their opening two Round 3 qualifiers having lost to Bahrain and drawn in Indonesia.
Get your tickets to Round 1 of the Isuzu UTE A-League season!
“It was a bit of a shock to me,” Velupillay told Subway Socceroos official media as Australia prepare to host China in Adelaide on Thursday night before facing Japan five days later.
“Got a text saying I got in while I was walking to a café with some mates.
“I was a bit surprised and I said okay, yeah I’m going to the Socceroos I guess (smiling).”
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE MEN 2024-25 FIXTURE DETAILS
FULL FIXTURE: Every match here
DERBY DATES: The matches to circle in your calendar now
TALKING POINTS: What you need to know about the 24-25 draw, inc new TV schedule
In just over three years, Velupillay has gone from boyhood fan and academy graduate to Victory star and now a maiden Socceroos call-up.
He has been rewarded for his form with Victory, which includes a flying start to 2024-25.
While the Isuzu UTE A-League campaign is not due to get underway until October 18 when Victory meet two-time reigning champions Central Coast Mariners in a Grand Final rematch, Velupillay has already scored five goals under new boss Patrick Kisnorbo.
Those five goals came in Victory’s run to the 2024 Australia Cup final before falling to Macarthur FC at AAMI Park.
SOCCEROOS SQUAD NEWS
FULL SQUAD: Tony Popovic calls up FOUR A-Leagues stars in big shake-up
‘SERIAL WINNER’: Macarthur star drafted in Australia squad
‘HE HAS MORE FAITH AND TRUST IN ME’: Socceroos debutant reunites with the man behind his emergence
‘DESERVED THE OPPORTUNITY’: History repeats for Victory veteran after eight-year Socceroos absence
“It’s always been a goal of mine,” Velupillay said of his Socceroos selection.
“I think every kid dreams to play for Australia and something I’ve been working towards for a while.
“Happy to be here.”
Your club-by-club guide to the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 season
“Obviously excitement for my family. They’ve been there from the start and are extremely proud of me,” he added.
“If I make my debut, I think they’ll be even more proud.”
Featured image: Aleksandar Jason/Subway Socceroos
