QPR rookie commits to Australia

QPR rookie commits to Australia




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9 September 2013-SBS: Dave
Queens Park Rangers rookie striker Peter Skapetis has turned his back on overtures from Greece to commit his future to the green and gold at a time when Australian football can do with all the talent it can get.



Okon bids to woo rookie Skapetis




While hardly the answer to the woes facing Australia at elite level after the Socceroos’ embarrassing 6-0 battering by Brazil, the free-scoring 18-year-old’s decision to announce his allegiance is a chink of sunlight down at the development level as Australia bids to restock for the future.

Aware that Greece was keen to snare the Melbourne-born kid with the Hellenic roots, Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon acted swiftly, naming him in his squad for last month’s Acudia tournament in Spain – and Skapetis didn’t disappoint.

The former South Melbourne junior became the first Australian to walk away with the Golden Boot – with four goals from four games – in the wake of giants like Fernando Torres and Juan Mata before him at a tournament with a 30-year history.

After distinguishing himself against Spain, Mexico, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Greek-passport holder Skapetis left no doubt where his heart lies when he said: “I am 100 per cent committed to Australia and hopefully going all the way to play for the Socceroos one day.

“There was a bit of initial contact from Greece and there was an invitation to play for their junior team.

“I was tempted at the time but my mind is now totally made up now – and even if they do come back and talk to me I won’t be interested.

“I just want to thank Paul Okon for the opportunity and it was a privilege to be involved with a squad that plays football the right way and hopefully I can do a job for the Young Socceroos now going towards the next (Under-20s FIFA) World Cup in New Zealand in 2015.

“I like to think I can bring something to the team … I do have a bit of an instinct for goals and it’s hopefully I have something which can help the team.

“Winning the Golden Boot in Spain was a special moment in my career and it means a lot. I’m hoping it’s a sign of things to come with the national team.”

Okon is in the midst of rebuilding his squad after initial promise and then disappointment in Turkey in July at the 2013 at the Under-20s World Cup where Australia finished bottom of its group with just a point from its games against Colombia, El Salvador and the host nation.

He ran the rule over a gathering of European-based youngsters last weekend at a training camp in London, through Skapetis – who netted a stunning 22 goals in 26 games for QPR’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides last season – was only a spectator after picking ankle and hamstring injuries which have delayed his start to the season at Loftus Road.

With QPR hellbent on a quick return to the Premier League, Skapetis knows a loan move this season may be advantageous to himself and the club.

“Obviously the best way for me to improve is to get experience and that could mean a loan which is something that I could see happening at some stage,” he said.

“The club brought some excellent players in during the transfer window and the boss Harry Redknapp wants success straight away.

“My ambition is definitely to break through for my club but I will need to keep developing and scoring goals and hopefully my chance will come at some point.”

 

An Aussie and a Queens Park Rangers player .................... doesn't get any better.

 

hope he can get a few games on the bench at least and bring him and a few more kids through.