FORMER Sutherland footballers Jack Duncan and Chris Naumoff have been named in a strong Olyroos squad for two matches against Turkey and FYR Macedonia in early September.
The matches are part of Australia’s preparations for January’s Olympic Games qualifiers, the AFC under-23s championships, in Doha the capital city of Qatar.
Duncan, who recently completed a move to Danish Superliga club Randers FC, will join Sydney FC midfielder Naumoff in the strong 23-man squad.
The Olyroos will face Turkey in Istanbul on September 5 before taking on Macedonia in Skopje on September 8.
In more football news, Sydney FC have signed youngster Jacob Tratt, 20, on a one-year deal for the Hyundai A-League 2015-16 season.
The Sutherland Sharks player captained the Sydney FC side that lifted the Foxtel National Youth League trophy in 2014 and can play as a central defender or a right back.
Tratt said he is was ecstatic to sign his first professional contract.
‘‘It’s a fantastic feeling to have become part of the first team squad and I can’t wait to improve working under [Graham Arnold] and alongside the boys.’’
Sutherland Sharks FC president Paul Smith said Tratt is a talent.
‘‘Jacob came down to Sutherland from Bathurst four years ago knowing he needed to come to Sydney if he was going to further his career,’’ Smith said.
‘‘He had a sister living in the area and heard that the Sharks’ development program had seen more players progress to the A-League more than any other club.
‘‘Coach Robbie Stanton (now coach at Sydney FC) brought Jacob through the ranks to be an established first grader in 2014.
‘‘He was the Sharks’ leading goalscorer this year with 7.’’
