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Gawler boy and Adelaide United young gun Riley McGree is set to live out a dream, after he was named in the 23-man Socceroos squad to face Iraq and United Arab Emirates in World Cup qualifiers later this month. McGree was a shock inclusion after the squad came through on Wednesday morning in the provisional 30-man squad, and has since been named in the trimmed squad on Tuesday. The 18-year-old was left speechless at his selection in the 30-man squad early Wednesday. “It’s a bit of a shock to be honest, but obviously feels great, it’s a dream as a kid to represent these squads on the international stage,” he said. McGree thought someone was pulling his leg when he received the informing phone call. “I received a call from the general manager at the Socceroos, and he just let me know that (Socceroos manager) Ange (Postecoglou) was really impressed and he wanted me in the squad,” he said. “It was a bit of shock, didn’t really think it was a legit call. “I don’t really know what to say, it’s all happened really quick.” McGree was quick to thank all those involved down at Adelaide United. “I’d like to thank the club, the coaches at the club for giving me the opportunity and everyone at Adelaide United for believing in me and believing in me enough to give me first team football, and obviously I’d like to thank my family, for always being by my side,” he said. He also thanked all those involved at his grassroots club, the Gawler Eagles Soccer Club, for helping him reach his dream. “Obviously the club (Gawler Eagles) I’d like to thank, it’s my junior club, it’s where I grew up, it’s where I started my trade,” he said. McGree will travel to face Iraq on March 23, before facing the United Arab Emirates on March 28 at home.

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