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Rookie Roo Michael Marrone excited to be recognised among stars like Lucas Neill
Feb 27, 2012 11:30:00 PM
The Melbourne Heart right-back said he has no expectations for the Australia camp ahead of the Saudi Arabia game, but wants to use it as an opportunity to learn from the stars
EXCLUSIVEBy Ben Somerford | Asian Football Editor
Rookie Socceroos call-up Michael Marrone has labelled the opportunity to mix with players like Lucas Neill as “very exciting” although he says he heads into the camp with no expectations.
The 25-year-old Melbourne Heart right-back revealed he met Socceroos skipper Neill for the first time on Monday when the Australia squad linked up in Melbourne ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
Speaking exclusively with Goal.com, Adelaide-born Marrone said he was honoured to be part of such a strong squad.
“It's very exciting to be recognised among the other A-League guys especially the next day when I saw the squad,” Marrone said.
“I've been included in camp before a year or two ago with Pim [Verbeek] but it was a 30-man squad, with a lot of A-League players, so to see it was a 19-man squad with guys like Schwarzer and Neill [was great].”
Marrone said his initial impressions of Socceroos veterans such as Schwarzer and Neill were positive after linking up with the squad following Heart's 1-0 win over Central Coast on Sunday.
“They are pretty open guys by the look of it,” Marrone said. “Everyone's having a laugh already together. It's all pretty relaxed.”
However, Marrone revealed he heads into the camp without expecting anything but a learning experience.
“I've said I'll head into camp without any expectations. Whatever happens happens. If I get a run, I get a run. If I don't, I don't,” Marrone said.
“I'll just try learn as much as I can and I'll have a chat with the coaching staff. Learn as much as I can.”
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