An impressive attacking performance earned Australia’s Max Hately player-of-the-match honours against Cambodia on Friday night.
The number nine came off the bench to score two goals in the contest, making his presence known as soon as he entered the pitch.
“It feels incredible,” Hately said.
“Just to get a first touch and then goal as a striker that’s the type of stuff you wish for.”
Hately said a quick talk with head coach Brad Maloney helped him have an impact on the game.
He explained that it meant a lot to play on home soil, with the crowd of 703 people at Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve providing plenty of support.
“I cry when I hear the national anthem, it’s an honour,” he said.
“I think that’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front.”
Currently plying his trade at the Western Sydney Wanderers, Friday night’s brace add to Hatley’s hat-trick against the Northern Mariana Islands on Wednesday.
If he keeps this form up it will not be long before we see the youngster getting some first team football at his club.