Heading for the big time

RISING soccer star Anthony Leban has his eyes set on pushing into North Geelong’s senior squad after a successful Australian under-17 training camp.

Anthony was selected for the Victorian squad that trained at Knox Regional Football Centre last week as part of a national talent search.

The teenage attacking midfielder, who last year trialled with clubs overseas, said he felt his game stacked up with the best in the state.

“It was a great experience, there was a lot of good talent at the camp. There was some good coaching, it was very professional,” Anthony said.

“It was the chance for them to see the level the kids in Victoria are at and how it compares to the other states in Australia.

“I think I did well. I did my best and tried my hardest.”

Under-17s head coach Trevor Morgan and assistant Michael McBride watched over Anthony during the three-day camp.

Leban has featured in North Geelong’s under20 team in the NPL this season and he has trained with the senior squad under the eyes of head coach Luciano Trani.

Trani, who was assistant manager at Melbourne City and heavily involved in the ALeague, has been impressed with what he has seen.

Anthony said he wanted to use 2018 to push his way into the senior fold.

“I have been lucky to train with the seniors and I’m playing regularly with the reserves,” he said.

“Luc is a very good coach, he knows what he is doing and we are lucky to have him.

“I don’t think it’s impossible (to play this year), I’ve been told if I work hard then I’m a chance to maybe get on the bench. I’ve just got to keep working and hopefully my time will come.”

North Geelong great and Socceroo Josip Skoko has also been an influence on Leban’s career.

“Josip has been my coach for a while and he has always been a guy I kind of look up to,” he said.

“He tells me to work hard, make sure you’re fit when it comes to trials and just to do my best.”

Last year Anthony went to Holland and spent two weeks with SC Heerenveen and also had a month with Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb.

“It showed me a different type of soccer,” he said.