Newcastle United transfer target Garang Kuol has been told he has taken the 'first step' after making his international debut for Australia. The wonderkid delivered an exciting cameo from the bench on his senior bow for his country, playing his part in the second goal in the Socceroo's friendly win over New Zealand on Sunday.
Kuol has enjoyed an impressive rise with A-League side Central Coast Mariners over the last year, and was rewarded for this form with an international call-up. The promising attacker was an unused substitute in Thursday's victory over New Zealand, but came on for the final 20 minutes of the reverse fixture at Eden Park.
It was a driving run from the 18-year-old from deep within his own half which ultimately led to Australia earning a penalty. Jason Cummings converted the spot-kick to seal a 2-0 win as Graham Arnold's side finalised their preparations for the winter World Cup.
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Kuol is now considered a wildcard option for the Socceroo's 26-man squad in Qatar, with reports last month also suggesting a January transfer to Newcastle has been agreed upon. Arnold was keen to give the teenager his first taste of international football, and praised the A-League wonderkid for showing 'quality' in his late outing.
The Australia boss told beIN SPORTS: "He's a kid, he's just turned 18. I told [him] just to go out and enjoy himself.
"I just wanted to give him the experience. He showed some quality when he came on, but this is just the first step for him."
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