Bolton’s 28-year-old vice captain is in the Socceroos’ 26-man roster for the Asian Cup, which begins in January, for the first time.
Jones, a Perth native, progressed through the Everton ranks while representing Wales at the Under-16 and Under-21 levels.
Arnold said that he had been keeping an eye on the defender’s progress at Bolton for some time and that he had tried to register the defender for the previous international camp back in November.
He remarked, “He is one we have been watching for the past few years.”
“It didn’t take long to persuade him to modify his registration, but it does require navigating FIFA regulations.”
“The last camp is probably where he would have been, but it didn’t get through in time.”When I was in the UK, I went to see him. He was really outstanding.
We have been adding strength and depth to the right full-back position—a position in which we have three players—with Nathaniel Atkinson and Lewis Miller. Ryan Strain’s injury has given him that opportunity.
“Nathaniel has only played two sets of ninety minutes and is still recovering from an injury. Before we head to camp, I do anticipate that he will play two or three more games. However, Gethin was born in Perth and resided there until he was eight years old, at which point he returned to the
He played youth international cricket for Wales and has always aspired to play for Australia.
“I saw him at Bolton Wanderers, and I was really impressed with him.” He has played with Harry Souttar in the past, therefore he is a fantastic addition to the team.
Due to a modification in the tournament regulations, Australia’s squad has grown from 23 to 36 members, and they will be headquartered in Doha, Qatar.
They play group stage matches against Syria on January 18, India on January 13, and Uzbekistan on January 23 in the hopes of making it to the knockout stages and the February 10 final in Lusail.
Jack Iredale, a different Wanderers defender, was among the “70 to 75” players Arnold said he weeded out of consideration for the team.
He intends to utilise the competition, which Australia won in 2015 on home soil, as a springboard for the World Cup, which will feature four more qualifiers in 2020.
