Australian Football losing young talent

[Slayer]

The lost boys?

Players eligible for the Socceroos who could be poached by other countries in the coming years:

GOALKEEPER

1. Dean Bouzanis, 18, Liverpool

The most talked about of all the potential "defectors". Rated by Rafa Benitez as the "best under-20 keeper in the world". Has represented both Australia and Greece at under-age levels. That he was overlooked for the Olyroos but picked for Greece's under-19s won't help Australia's case.

DEFENDERS

2. Nikolas Tsattalios, 18, Sydney FC

Sydney FC defender was included in Greece's under-20 squad earlier this year. Has previously been on standby with the Joeys and is likely to play a much bigger role with Sydney this year.

3. Erhan Karahan, 21, Sivasspor

Like occasional under-23 representative Ersan Gulum, Karahan has made the trek from the Victorian state league to the big time in Turkey, where he plays with Michael Petkovic's high-flying Sivasspor. Could well attract attention from Turkish authorities soon.

4. Shane Lowry, 19, Aston Villa

The first player since the World Cup to be truly "lost" by Australia, Lowry has committed his international future to Ireland. The Perth-born defender has already made several under-21 appearances for the Irish.

MIDFIELDERS

5. Andreas Govas, 18, Portsmouth

After completing his apprenticeship with the VIS, Govas was invited for a day trial at the AIS, but didn't make the cut. However, he dug his heels in and bagged a contract with Pompey.

6. Steven Lustica, 17, ACT Academy of Sport

Another graduate from the Canberra Deakin program, Lustica has been offered trials with Inter Milan and Dinamo Zagreb. Stated desire to play for Australia, but Croatia are keen to win his services.

7. Apostolos Giannou, 18, Apollon Kalamarias

Seemed destined to be signed by Melbourne Victory after spending long periods with the club but was eventually signed by second-division Kalamarias, who play in the city of Giannou's birth. Having previously trialled with PSV Eindhoven, it should come as no surprise the Greek FA has already capped him at under-19 level.

8. Rostyn Griffiths, 20, Blackburn

Classy midfielder has long been on the cusp of selection for Wales and has represented Australia at junior levels.

9. Dario Vidosic, 21, Nuremburg

Has declared he may explore the Croatian option. Moved to Australia from Osijek at age one and his dad, Rado Vidosic, is Queensland Roar's youth coach.

FORWARDS

10. Mate Dugandzic, 18, Dinamo Zagreb

Judged as one of the best attacking talents to emerge from the Melbourne Knights since Mark Viduka, Dugandzic rejected an AIS scholarship and a trial with AS Roma to sign with Dinamo, where he is already starring in their famous youth team. Like Lustica, has publicly stated a desire to play for Australia - but Croatia still want him.

11. Richard Porta, 22, AC Siena

Born in Sydney, Porta spent a year in Australia before leaving for Uruguay. Joint top scorer in the Uruguayan Apertura last season, earning a move to ambitious Serie A newcomers AC Siena. While senior international honours appear inevitable, he may commit to whoever comes in first.

Others being hunted:

Nicholas Condylis, 17, Panathinaikos; Daniel Visevic, 20, Dinamo Zagreb; Jamie Young, 22, Wycombe; Robert Stambolziev, 17, Bristol City; Robert Kolak, 16, Sydney United; Alex Cisak, 19, Leicester


http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/...658044311.html

We have some great young Greek kids in Australia playing football at the moment, I'm caught in two minds here, yes it would be great to see these kids in the Australian national team but if they are not being chosen can you blame them for going overseas...Compare the opportunities and money you get here in Australai as opposed to Greece and Europe.