Defender Gethin Jones has thanked coach Graham Arnold after making his international debut for Australia. Four days after joining his first national team camp, the Bolton Wanderers vice-captain became Socceroo #639 when handed a starting spot in the 2-0 friendly win over Bahrain in Abu Dhabi overnight.
The last last week has passed in something of a blur for 28-year old Jones, who is grateful to his teammates and the coaching staff for aiding his transition into the Socceroos fold. “I’ve known Arnie had been coming to the games at Bolton for quite a few months now,” Gethin said.
“When I first had the chat with Arnie a couple of months back he told me that there was a good chance of me going to the Asian Cup. He said that we wanted to win it. I’m not going to lie, it is nerve wracking walking into a room with so many fresh faces but I’ve settled in really well.”
Arnold made no secret of Gethin’s inclusion in his starting eleven, with the trust and transparency of his coach further motivating Jones to repay the faith. “He told me on Thursday (that I’d be starting),” commented Gethin, who has chalked up close to 250 league and cup appearances in England.
“It was good to know straight away, and know he’s put his faith in me, to put me in straight away. I’m hoping I can do the same on the pitch for Arnie and the team. It was good to be out there and get my debut. It’s been a few days, now training with the lads, but obviously, games are completely different.”
Deployed at right-back, Gethin displayed his attacking prowess with regular darts down the right flank, a sight which League One fans have become accustomed to. “Arnie he told me what we do here is exactly the same as Bolton – attacking football,” he explained.
“He told me that when the ball is on the left side and the space on the right in front of me, I need to just make those runs and I’ll get the space. When I get in the wide areas, try and get as many crosses into the box while obviously doing my defensive duties as well.”
Looking ahead to the Asian Cup in Qatar, Gethin is aware that he’ll will need to build on his debut performance. Nonetheless, the defender has every confidence in the squad that has been assembled. “I need to do a bit more. I didn’t show all of it tonight, but now to make up for what I’ve done,” he said.
“There’s competition for places everywhere. We all need to be at it every single day in training and put performances in the games and whoever plays the best will get their opportunity… I believe that the squad is good enough to go all the way.”
Australia’s Asian Cup campaign commences against India (January 13) followed by further group outings against Syria (January 18) and Uzbekistan (January 23). The top two sides from each of the six groups plus the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. The final will be played on February 10.
