Aussie Kid Set For January Trial

Last updated : 26 November 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers will take a look at 16-year old Wollogong United goalkeeper Ben Wunsch in January as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options and their expanding youth links in Oceania.

The young Socceroo will spend time at both the Reebok Stadium and Tranmere Rovers as he looks to win a contract overseas and follow the likes of Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton who all ply their trade in the Premiership having come from Down Under.

"My goal is to get a contract whilst i am over there, that is what I am hoping for" he told the newspaper Illawarra Mercury

A spell at Liverpool's Academy helped the young Aussie to adapt to the English climate and he is hoping to grab the opportunity he has been given.

"I am happy to be heading over to the cold weather because of the opportunity it will bring me"

"I was over there in January when we visited the Liverpool Football Academy and i got a good understanding of what is required. After that I felt as if I had a slight advantage if I had to go over again he added"

I was lucky enough to travel with the Australian Youth Squad on my return home from my vacation and I know that many of them have trials overseas upcoming following the conclusion of the Youth World Cup. Football (Soccer) in Australia is expanding fast and there are some good players in the National Soccer League (NSL) so its hardly surprising Sam Allardyce has sent scouts over to Australia.