'Australia never asked’ - Manchester City starlet ignored by Joeys for World Cup

Australia’s decision to forgo approaching Manchester City prodigy Alexander Robertson for next month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup has left the rookie’s camp bewildered.

Source: Supplied

Back in action after a series of injuries, Robertson, 16, is one of seven Europe-based Aussies overlooked for the tournament by Joeys coach Trevor Morgan in his 21-man squad 

Southampton’s Caleb Watts, Hoffenheim’s Noah Botic and Sporting Lisbon’s Tristian Hammond were the only ones to secure a ticket to Brazil as Plymouth defender Charlie Miller, Rangers midfielder Murray Miller and Blackburn Rovers playmaker Zach Gilsenan all missed out, along with former NPL sharp-shooter Zach Sapsford, recently signed by Chester, ex-Valencia No.10 Diego Alfonso and young Fleetwood Town prospect Akiel Raffi.

But it was the decision not to sound out Robertson - who has two caps for England at U-16 level - that raised the most eye brows, not least from his former Socceroo father Mark Robertson.

Twice thwarted in previous attempts to bring the highly-touted Robertson into camp due to injuries, it appears Australia simply gave up the ghost on the youngster who recently signed a four-year pro deal at the Etihad.

“Nobody has contacted his club, the family, his agent (ex-Liverpool and England star Michael Owen) or the player to say the squad was about to released and had their been a change of heart,” said Robertson senior.

“The only reason he’s not been involved before is due to fitness issues - it’s not been Alexander turning round and saying he didn’t want to come.

“Basically, Australian football have made their own assumptions, based on second hand information, that Alexander isn’t interested and has decided to play for England instead.

“We haven’t heard from anybody for months - it looks like the FFA just gave up without getting a concrete answer.”

Robertson, who has a scouting role for Manchester City, has been scouring the UK keeping tabs on Australian talent and making recommendations to FFA.

And he is also perplexed why none of the likes of Murray and Charlie Miller, Gilsenan, Sapsford, Raffi and Alfonso made the cut.

“The players in question (other than Charlie Miller) are attack minded and we’re too heavy in that area,” he said.

“But that’s fine because if you’re going to do well at a World Cup you need to score goals.

“In those players not picked you’ve got goals in abundance - so you’re going into a big tournament without six players who can damage opponents.”

Morgan ran the rule over Murray Miller, who recently signed a three-year pro contract at Ibrox, Sapsford, Gilsenan and Alfonso during games against England, South Korea and Brazil at St George’s Park last month, even though they were afforded limited game time.

Raffi was part of a previous camp in Canberra and deemed surplus to requirements.

“Alexander has woken up with the other boys to find out he’s not going to the World Cup,” added Robertson.

“I feel with him, and the others. It’s a lost opportunity for Australia.

“It’s not as if he isn’t fit. He played against Southampton at the weekend, he’s facing Wolves this weekend and Manchester United next weekend.

“These youngsters all have something about them or they wouldn’t be where they are, making their way in the game

“This is Australia’s chance to get back on the map at youth level after a long barren spell but the question is whether they have made the right calls here.

“I just feel the emphasis should be on players based in Europe because the reality is they’re playing at a better level.”

In the case of Charlie Miller, who turned down offers from Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, to pick a career path at League One Plymouth, he might now be tempted to defect to Northern Ireland, the land of his lineage.

The Joeys begin their campaign in Brazil against Ecuador on October 27, before taking on Hungary (October 30) and Nigeria three days later.

Morgan declined to comment after being contacted by The World Game.

2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup – Joeys group stage schedule

Ecuador v Australia

Sunday 27th October

Estadio Olimpico, Goiania 

09:45 AEDT - 12:00 AEDT

LIVE on SBS and streamed live via The World Game website / app

Australia v Hungary

Wednesday 30th October 

Estadio Olimpico, Goiania

09:45 AEDT - 12:00 AEDT

LIVE on SBS and streamed live via The World Game website / app

Australia v Nigeria 

Saturday 2nd November 

Estadio Bezerrao, Brasilia 

06:45 AEDT - 09:00 AEDT

LIVE on SBS and streamed live via The World Game website / app