Jordan Holmes is not afraid to dream big.
The Russia 2018 World Cup will start in the early hours of Friday morning (AEST), with Australia to begin their group C campaign against heavyweights France on Saturday night.
Holmes, from Alfords Point, will be back in the UK to undergo pre-season training with his English Premier League club Bournemouth after a short holiday back to the shire to visit friends and family.
And when the 21-year-old watches the Socceroos take on Les Bleus, it will act as more motivation. If his mate Daniel Arzani can do it, why not him for Qatar 2022?
“You can never rule anything out,” Holmes told the Leader.
“You get a few good loans and get playing at a high level, if you’re doing the best you can and playing consistently I don’t see why they wouldn’t put you into the fold.
“You’ve seen the likes of even at my club [Adam] Federici and Brad Smith. They haven’t played games and the manager won’t select people who aren’t playing games. He’s made that clear, it doesn’t matter what club or what level you’re at.
“One of the boys I played with a lot at junior level and through Australia is Daniel Arzani. He’s got his run now with the main boys and all the best to him. He’s playing games, he’s in good form. So hopefully it’ll kick start his career and something big.”
The young goalkeeper will be 25 at the next World Cup, not yet at the peak of his powers. A constant in Australian youth teams, Holmes has his eye on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
But for now, the shot-stopper will be a fan. Hoping for the best for Australia as they look to escape a tough group that includes France, Denmark and Peru.
“To do it on the world stage, it’ll be interesting how we get on. We’ve got some tough opponents in our group but all the best to the boys that are going,” he said.
“I think it’ll be tough. You’ve got to be realistic, you look at the teams we’re up against. The likes of France, personally I think we might finish third in the group. Potentially second if we can get a good run going. We’ve got to beat Peru [and either] win or draw with Denmark.
“It should be good. I can’t wait to see how Australia perform and all the other countries. This is the biggest tournament in the world and I can’t wait.”
