GAWLER local and Adelaide United young gun Lachlan Brook guided Australia to the Asean Football Federation (AFF) under 19 youth championship title last week, scoring the match-winning goal in the final to defeat Malaysia 1-0.
The 18-year-old forward scored the sealer in the 79th minute of the game, played in Vietnam, which was his third goal of the tournament.
Brook’s first score came in a 4-1 win over Vietnam, and the second as an equaliser in the team’s 2-1 win over Myanmar in the semi-final.
The former Gawler Eagles talent was delighted to score the winning goal in the final.
“It was amazing, winning any cup or anything like that is really good,” he said.
“Scoring in a final was pretty cool at any level…we celebrated a bit back at the hotel, we played a little bit of FIFA as there’s not a lot to do in Vietnam.”
While his international form has been terrific, with three goals from six appearances at under 20 level, Brook is yet to get a major look in for Adelaide United’s first team.
However, he’s hoping that’s set to change under new manager Gertjan Verbeek.
“I haven’t had any trainings yet, I’ve been in recovery mode for a few days, I’m keen to get back into it,” he said.
“I’m not sure (where I’ll play this year), that’ll be up to me and how I’m performing.
“Hopefully I’ll get some minutes this year.”
Brook’s international form was also rewarded further on Friday, as he was selected for the Olyroos squad alongside United teammate and fellow Gawlerite Riley McGree.
“That’s huge, I was shocked and taken back by that,” he said.
“It’ll help having the other United boys, as I haven’t met many of the other boys, as they’re older.”
The Olyroos games will be played in Wollongong on September 6 and Campbelltown on September 9, ahead of the Olympic Games qualification tournament in Thailand in January.