James Overy has received his first senior international call-up with Australia for the November international.
It has been an exciting month for Manchester United Academy star James Overy.
Overy has spent the past month training with United’s first team after returning from Australia’s U20 World Cup campaign in Chile.
That means the 17-year-old full-back has been given a chance to impress Ruben Amorim, but it has also granted him the opportunity to play with and against senior professionals like Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw.
It remains to be seen when the talented Overy will be given his first taste of senior football United, but Amorim gave debuts to three youngsters last season.
Moreover, reports suggest Overy has impressed coaches at United since he began training with the senior squad.
James Overy handed first senior call-up for Australia
Overy has gone from being the youngest member of Australia’s squad at the U20 World Cup last month to being called up to the senior squad.
Australia manager Tony Popovic has opened the door for the United youngster to make his senior debut in one of the two upcoming friendly matches later this month.
Overy, who also represented Scotland at the youth level, is one of 11 changes made to the Australia squad as Popovic looks to challenge what could be the future of Australian football. He is one of six uncapped players who will be available for selection.
Australia will take on Venezuela in Houston on 14 November before facing Colombia in New York.
It’s a great moment for Overy, who had his progress stalled by an Achilles injury that kept him out of action for eight months.
Overy finally has a chance to focus on his development with United and Australia.
James Overy can become the second Australian to play for Man Utd
The only Australian international to play for United is former goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
Bosnich made 38 appearances for United after two distinct periods at the club.
In his first spell, Bosnich joined United as a young player with high potential before signing for Sydney United and later returning to the Premier League to play for Aston Villa.
However, Bosnich returned in 1999, but he was unable to fill Peter Schmeichel’s shoes.
Overy will be aiming to become the first Australian – since Bosnich – to play for United’s first team.
The youngster will be looking at Amorim’s current team and think he may have a chance to prove himself as a right wing-back.
Amorim’s system relies heavily on wing-backs but the jury is still out on many players, especially at left wing-back.
There is a debate to be had over who should be starting most weeks at right and left wing-back.
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