Marquinhos targeting Brazil call-up

Nov 24, 2012 1:55:00 AM

The Roma defender has has been one of the club's shining lights since his arrival during the summer and is now hoping for recognition on the international stage

Marquinhos says he is targeting a place in Brazil's World Cup 2014 squad.

The Roma centre-back was virtually unknown outside of his homeland when he arrived at the Stadio Olimpico back in July, having made just six first team appearances for former club Corinthians.

But the 18-year-old has made rapid progress in his first four months in Serie A, making nine appearances and earning the praise of coach Zdenek Zeman.

And despite having only represented Selecao at Under-20 level, he believes there is no reason why he cannot win a place in the senior squad over the next 19 months.

“The fact that Brazil have been watching me play goes to show that I’m doing something right,” he told Fifa.com.

“And if they do give me that chance it could lead on to something big in the future.

"Why shouldn’t I think about making the World Cup in 2014? After everything that’s happened I just don’t know what’s possible or impossible for me anymore. I’m going to fight for it and I think it could happen.”

The teenager will be in Serie A action this weekend when the Giallorossi take on Pescara on Sunday.