McGowan stars in Young Socceroos victory

The ASEAN Football Federation U19 Championships kicked off overnight, with the Qantas Young Socceroos recording a 3-1 victory over China.

Melbourne Victory youth team player Milo Lujic scored two goals as Queensland Roar’s Mitch Nichols showed why Frank Farina said that he was ‘one for the future’ with a goal to seal the win.

China got away to a great start, going a goal ahead in just the third minute before Lujic hit back thanks to a pass from Newcastle Jets midfielder James Holland.

Just 12 minutes later, Lujic put the Young Socceroos ahead with assistance from Tahj Minniecon before fellow Roar representative Nichols rounded off.

Hearts of Midlothian youngster Ryan McGowan is one of five overseas-based players in the squad and his form along with the maturity of the team as a whole pleased coach Jan Versleijen

“This was a good win to start with,” he said.

“Our players showed good mentality coming from 1 nil down to win 3-1.

“The new players I have brought into the squad fitted in well especially Ryan McGowan.

“Although, there are still some areas we need to improve on like our concentration in the latter stage of each half and our composure.”

Other notable names in the Young Socceroos team were Melbourne Victory’s Seb Ryall, Sydney FC Nikolas Tsattalios, ex-Portsmouth trainee Andreas Govas and Stevenage & Borough midfielder Scott Balderson.

The Young Socceroos next play Korea Republic this Tuesday night.