Giannou joins Socceroos squad
Cyprus-based striker Apostolos Giannou has arrived in the UAE to join the Australia squad for the start of the Asian Cup.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold called up the AEK Larnaca player after fellow attacker Martin Boyle was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Giannou has won six caps since making his debut last March, scoring his first goal for his country in a 4-0 win over Kuwait in October.
He arrived in Al Ain on Thursday to have a medical with the Socceroos staff.
Arnold said Giannou had been playing well in Cyprus and in the Europa League over the past year.
"He has arrived with the determination to impress and make the most of the opportunity," said the coach. "Having been with us in Turkey, the UAE, and Kuwait earlier this year, Apo has a clear picture of how we work and the principles of play.
"We have spoken consistently about our player pool getting deeper and to add Apo to our attacking options despite the unfortunate news for Martin [Boyle] is fantastic. Apo offers us something a little bit different in attack - he is a hard-working player who can press and has a sharp eye for goal."
Boyle was forced to withdraw from the 23-man squad after picking up a knee injury in last weekend's 5-0 friendly win against Oman.
The Socceroos already had Aaron Mooy and Daniel Arzani unavailable for the tournament, while key attacker Mathew Leckie may not play until the knockout rounds as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
Giannou, who made one appearance in a friendly for Greece before switching his international allegiance, said: "I will be doing everything that I can to impress in training and perform in matches here in the UAE. We have a great squad with a great culture and together I believe we will achieve our goals at the tournament."
Australia are 13/2 to win the Asian Cup and 5/2 to reach the final.
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Cyprus-based striker Apostolos Giannou has arrived in the UAE to join the Australia squad for the start of the Asian Cup.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold called up the AEK Larnaca player after fellow attacker Martin Boyle was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Giannou has won six caps since making his debut last March, scoring his first goal for his country in a 4-0 win over Kuwait in October.
He arrived in Al Ain on Thursday to have a medical with the Socceroos staff.
Arnold said Giannou had been playing well in Cyprus and in the Europa League over the past year.
"He has arrived with the determination to impress and make the most of the opportunity," said the coach. "Having been with us in Turkey, the UAE, and Kuwait earlier this year, Apo has a clear picture of how we work and the principles of play.
"We have spoken consistently about our player pool getting deeper and to add Apo to our attacking options despite the unfortunate news for Martin [Boyle] is fantastic. Apo offers us something a little bit different in attack - he is a hard-working player who can press and has a sharp eye for goal."
Boyle was forced to withdraw from the 23-man squad after picking up a knee injury in last weekend's 5-0 friendly win against Oman.
The Socceroos already had Aaron Mooy and Daniel Arzani unavailable for the tournament, while key attacker Mathew Leckie may not play until the knockout rounds as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
Giannou, who made one appearance in a friendly for Greece before switching his international allegiance, said: "I will be doing everything that I can to impress in training and perform in matches here in the UAE. We have a great squad with a great culture and together I believe we will achieve our goals at the tournament."
Australia are 13/2 to win the Asian Cup and 5/2 to reach the final.
Source: bet365.com
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