Milanovic nears Socceroos after netting Scottish move
Fresh off securing a transfer to Scottish club Aberdeen, Western Sydney Wanderers dynamo Nicolas Milanovic is set to receive his first taste of senior national team football by being called into a Socceroos training squad.
Milanovic will have a chance to impress Tony Popovic and push his claims for a maiden Australia cap later this month with the Wanderers attacking midfielder expected to be part of a warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi later this month.
The Socceroos are due to spend the best part of a week in the Middle East as they gear up for June's World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia where a win in both games would secure Australia's passage to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Popovic said at the start of this month that the camp would be used to help European-based players, whose domestic seasons have finished over recent weeks, to remain in top shape ahead of the Japan clash in Perth on June 5 and their away trip to Jeddah five days later.
Milanovic would surely fancy his chances of forcing his way into the Socceroos manager's plans after a stellar season with the Wanderers that has helped him secure a move to Aberdeen.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a career-best season, scoring 12 goals across 26 A-League Men games.
The Wanderers say they received a club record fee for Milanovic, with reports in Scotland indicating the Dons paid the best part of $800,000 for the attacking playmaker.
Milanovic has signed a three-year deal with Aberdeen.
"We are incredibly proud of Nicolas and everything he has achieved during his time with the Wanderers," said Wanderers chief executive Scott Hudson.
"His journey from local fan to one of the league's standout performers is a testament to his character, commitment but most of all, his talent.
"At the Wanderers, we are committed to developing players who can make an impact not just in the A-Leagues, but on the global stage.
"Nicolas is a shining example of that vision, and we're excited to see him embrace this new challenge with Aberdeen.
"Nicolas will always be part of the Wanderers family. He has left a legacy at our club, and we look forward to welcoming him back whenever he returns home."
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