Former South Coast Wolves striker Corey Gameiro is making a mercy dash from Fulham to Colombia to be part of the Young Socceroos World Cup assault.
The 18-year-old, who last played for the Wollongong-based club in 2009, has been called up as replacement for Mathew Leckie, who could not secure a release from German outfit Borussia Monchengladach for the tournament, which starts this weekend.
Australia’s brainstrust applied to FIFA for special dispensation to select Gameiro in Meckie’s stead after the Port Kembla product impressed at a Young Socceroos camp in March.
Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen revealed he had instructed Gameiro to be ready for the tournament, although he didn’t make the original 21-man cut.
“Corey was a little unlucky not to be picked in the final squad initially and at our last camp we spoke to him about being ready and on stand-by for the tournament should something unexpected happen,” Versleijen said.
“As fate would have it, with Mathew’s absence and FIFA’s permission, an opportunity now exists for Corey to join us at the World Cup.
“For us to have any chance of being successful in the tournament we will need to draw on all 21 players in some way, shape or form, as you never know when you might need a player due to injuries or suspensions.
“Corey will join us tomorrow and I know he will be able to do the job if called upon.”
Australia will open their campaign against Ecuador on Sunday 31 July before showdowns with Costa Rica (Wednesday, August 3) and Spain (Saturday, August 6).
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