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AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

Noah Botic ready to take on A-League Men

After six goals for Western United last ALM season, Noah Botic is gunning for more this campaign. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

Noah Botic is 21, high on confidence and has just been handed the keys to Western United's A-League Men attack.

United have parted ways with Aleksandar Prijovic, opening the door for Botic to make the No.9 role his own.

And after breaking out last season, the talented young striker feels ready to take the wheel.

"Coming back off a good end to the season for myself, with six goals, I just want to continue that into this season," Botic told AAP.

"We've got a group of lads where it's a younger group compared to last season and I feel like they'll be up for it.

"It was just my confidence and the trust that the coach had in me just to get the job done.

"Once you get a feel of the game - my first game was against (Sydney) FC and I performed well even though I didn't score - it just kind of carries on.

"Once you get that first goal, the floodgates just open and it just fell to me and I made sure I took my chances."

When asked who he models his game on, Botic sheepishly notes people often liken his style of play to Mark Viduka.

He quickly backs away from that lofty comparison and insists he's just himself.

But he is thriving under another Socceroos great in United boss John Aloisi.

"It's massive," Botic said.

"If anyone in Australian football doesn't know John then they're living under a rock.

"He's helped me so much being a striker, how to shoot, where to place the ball and this and that and given me as much advice as possible.

"I've taken that through my mind as much as I can.

"But he does that with everyone - he's a top coach, he's a top mentor and I'm really glad that I'm able to work with him."

Botic has also relished working with new signing Nikita Rukavytsya, another former Socceroo.

"He's been there, he's played in Europe, he's played overseas," he said.

"He knows the ropes about what it takes to be a footballer.

"I watch him every training session to see what he does - to see how he performs, how he trains and learn off that. He'll be a big help for me."

Botic is an Olyroo and has dreams of one day reaching the Socceroos.

"It would be a massive honour," he said.

"If I can hopefully have a good couple of years' run, then bid to be part of the next World Cup squad as soon as possible, I'm just gonna keep my head down and work towards that.

"But at the moment I'm just looking forward to this season."

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