It’s been a whirlwind week for Bentleigh Greens custodian Alastair Bray.
Days after winning the 2015 NPL Victoria Championship, it was also revealed the 22-year-old was selected to represent Australia’s U23 National Team.
With the 2016 AFC U23 Asian Championships approaching, Bray is in line for a call-up to the Olyroos squad ahead of two international friendlies against South Korea next month.
The keeper will train with the Young Socceroos in the meantime [both U20s and U23s are operated by the same staff], but is firmly in the sights of Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar.
“I received a call a couple of months ago from Socceroos goalkeeper coach Tony Franken,” Bray said.
“He basically said that they have been watching me for a while and have been impressed with what I’ve been doing over the last couple of seasons at Bentleigh.
“It’s obviously an honour to be called up and I feel privileged to be here,” he added.
An accomplished junior footballer, Bray was a graduate of Victoria’s Institute of Sport and National Training Centre program, making up a part of the illustrious 2009 squad that included the likes of Jamie Maclaren, Nick Ansell and Jake Barker-Daish.
Melbourne Heart soon came calling, signing Bray to a National Youth League deal ahead of the 2011-12 season.
After regularly training with the first team squad, Bray resisted interests from abroad in order to establish himself within the Australian set-up, returning to the Bentleigh Greens in the Victorian Premier League after his contract expired.
Two impressive seasons followed for the shot-stopper, but with A-League sides signing players already in the system or from overseas, Bentleigh’s number 21 conceded the current lack of opportunity to further his career in Australia was dispiriting.
“It’s definitely frustrating for me,” he said.
“Personally, I thoroughly believe that I’m ready to go [to the A-League], I’m just waiting for opportunity to be given to me.
“In my opinion there are others goalkeepers and players in the same boat.
“The likes of Chris Oldfield doing good things at Hume and it was great to see Dan Heffernan rewarded for his form and goal scoring record.
“I’m sure he will carry the flag for the NPL over the next year or so.”
However, Bray’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
Franken’s call-up capped off a sensation 24 months for Bray, who is now in contention for his first international appearance.
“It definitely means a lot,” Bray said
“Since leaving Melbourne Heart two years ago, at times you feel a bit lost and wonder if people are watching and taking notice.”
“This shows that there are definitely eyes on the NPL, looking at players who are aiming to make that step up to the A-League and beyond.”
The Olyroos will be competing in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship in January next year.