Roar kid Courtney-Perkins in scouts sights with World Cup master class

Brisbane Roar rookie Jordan Courtney-Perkins - one of Australia’s unfolding success stories at the FIFA U-17 World Cup - is hoping the tournament acts as a springboard to a future overseas.

Jordan Courtney-Perkins

Source: Brisbane Roar

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The cultured defender, who turns 17 on the eve of Thursday morning’s round of 16 duel with favourites France in Brazil, knows the eyes of the world’s scouts are upon him.

And his ambition burns bright after underscoring his quality in the group games for the Joeys against Ecuador, Hungary and Nigeria.

Though yet to make his debut for Robbie Fowler’s Roar, there’s a growing buzz around the youngster who could soon find himself front and centre in A-League calculations.

Speaking ahead of the game in Goiania (10am Thursday AEDT) against a classy Les Bleus outfit which took maximum points from Korea Republic, Chile and Haiti in Group C, Courtney-Perkins made no secret of his desire to catch the attention of overseas clubs.

“On a personal level, I’m playing on a big stage here and want to put on performances that will turn a few heads.

“But (that said) I’m at Brisbane right now and I’m happy there and get good guidance there.

“I’ve got a couple of years there - and if nothing comes out of the World Cup (in terms of offshore offers) then I can go back to Brisbane as an improved player. So it’s definitely not the end of the world.”

Coach Trevor Morgan, who handed him his Joeys opportunity two years ago, is an avid advocate of a player he believes can go far in the game.

“I’m a big fan of Jordan’s and I feel he’s made tremendous progress in all areas, both in and off the pitch.

“He’s shown he can do well at this level of football and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go back to Brisbane and become a handy presence in their squad for the rest of the A-League season.

“He’s got the ability not only to perform against older - and maybe more powerful players - but to perform day after day.

“He can handle the tempo of big matches and we’re pleased with the progress he’s making.

“He wants to keep developing and he’s level at the level to be at this tournament.”

Australia are dreaming big against a French team most expect to breeze past them.

“We’re buzzing for the match and want to show people what were made of,” added Courtney-Perkins.

“It’s cool to face a team of their quality - we go into every game with the mentality that we can win and this one is no different.

“Spirits are very high, especially coming in after the (2-1) win against Nigeria.

“If we play to our game plan we’ll have as good a chance of beating them as they do us.”


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By Dave Lewis


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Roar kid Courtney-Perkins in scouts sights with World Cup master class | SBS Sport