Okon backs De Silva for A-League stardom

Sep 20, 2017 - 5:32 PM Paul Okon believes young gun Daniel De Silva can force his way into the Socceroos squad through a breakout A-League season.

The fleet-footed 20-year-old dazzled for the Mariners in a 2-0 defeat of Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Wednesday.

The match was only a pre-season friendly but De Silva showed up his opposite number, James Troisi, in the encounter.

Okon said the Olyroo was fully fit and ready to step up into the senior national team setup with a bright season.

"I don't think there's a bigger fan of Daniel De Silva in the country than myself," he said.

"Everyone will see throughout the season what he can bring to the A-League

"We've set him a few challenges. One of them is - if Australia goes to the World Cup - there's a challenge to get into that Socceroos squad.

"He's had a taste. He's hungry for it and hopefully we're going to help him achieve that goal.

"Hopefully he's going tot have a long career with the Socceroos."

Against Victory on Wednesday, the Mariners showed a sharper edge in defence than they were able to in many matches last season.

Dutch import Wout Brama, who scored the second goal, was particularly impressive in a number six role.

"We still can't believe that we ended up getting Wout. The week before he agreed to terms with us he was playing Europa League," Okon said.

"It's great the A-League is going to have a player like him. He's experienced, a good footballer and smart.

He joins fellow Dutch youth international Tom Hiarej, ex-Victory defender Alan Baro and Spanish striker Asdrubal - who scored Wednesday's opener - as new foreigners in the squad.

Okon has one more Visa slot available to him but is unlikely to dip into the transfer market unless forced to.

A pre-season which has included wins over Newcastle, Wellington and now Victory has Okon aiming to play finals in his second season with the A-League battlers.

"We want to go to Suncorp (Stadium), Allianz (Stadium), AAMI Park and compete," he said.

"We won six (games) last year. We aim to win double. That means you're in with a chance to play finals.

"We'll play good football, exciting football and we want to get results and win games."

Source: AAP