Next stop Socceroos for shy guy Beauchamp (original) (raw)

Michael Beauchamp left the "system" at the age of 13 and it took him a decade to reappear where his many admirers feel he belongs - wearing the green and gold.

As the countdown begins to the inaugural A-League season, which kicks off in August, the elegant 24-year-old defender with telescope legs and soft first touch heads the list of those with a point to prove.

Apart from a 45-minute appearance for the Australian Olympic (under-23) team in a qualifier against the Solomon Islands just over a year ago, Beauchamp has fallen through the cracks of a selection system many believe puts reputation above reality.

Why?

Perhaps it was because he chose to leave in year 8 the sports-oriented Westfields High School, which "streams" so many youngsters into national youth teams. Perhaps it was because his four seasons in the old national league (2000-04) coincided with the competition's nadir as a representative breeding ground. Perhaps it was because he didn't score a goal in 82 appearances for Marconi Stallions and Parramatta Power. Perhaps it was because his unassuming nature disguised his ambitions.

Whatever the case, many keen judges believe Beauchamp is good enough to play for the Socceroos, particularly given the paucity of talented young central defenders. How he performs during the next 12 months for the unfashionable Central Coast Mariners will help to settle the argument. The player himself concedes his career is approaching the crossroads.

Former Socceroo Alex Tobin - in many ways a carbon-copy of Beauchamp during his record-breaking 87 appearances for the national team - has had a first-hand view during pre-season training, where he is one of the Mariners' assistant coaches.

Tobin likes what he sees. "He is one of the best centre-halves going around," he said.

"Obviously I see him every day at training, but I had that view of him before he signed at Central Coast. He was a guy we definitely wanted to get, so I was very pleased he came our way.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he represented Australia. He's certainly good enough. He's got the physical attributes; he's got the temperament. This should be a watershed season for him, in terms of breaking into things.

"Plenty of people have spoken about [Australia's] ageing defence, and he's one who, in my estimation, [Socceroos coach] Frank Farina would have to have a very close look at. If I had the choice, I'd throw him in the deep end and see how he goes."

Former Parramatta Power coach Nick Theodorakopoulos is another staunch advocate of Beauchamp's international credentials. "He's definitely good enough for the national team," Theodorakopoulos said.

"He's got a thirst for football, he absorbs information, he's deceptively quick, he's calm on the ball. Looking at the current climate, he should be more than a chance, based on ability. His only problem is that, because we haven't had a competition, he hasn't been exposed."

The A-League will change all that, and Farina will have more than a passing interest.

"Look, he's got as much chance as anyone," Farina said. "He's had a taste, and he's now got to prove himself at the next level. It all depends on him and how he goes in the A-League."

Beauchamp accepts the advice. "To be honest, I'm just concentrating on the year coming up," he said. "If I get too far ahead of myself, it could all fall apart.

"Is this a crossroads? Yeah, I think so. A lot of what happens in the future could depend on this season, so it could mean a lot to me. It's all about confidence and the players I've got around me.

"I've had a sniff with the Olyroos and, when you're around players like Ljubo Milicevic and Jon McKain, you've got to step up. Having trained with them, I can see myself at their level.

"But it's a matter of opportunity. I'm like every player, I'd love to play for Australia."

For now, the one-time vinyl-layer is simply savouring the privilege of being a professional footballer with professional facilities at Mingara.

He he is awaiting not only the inaugural A-League season but next month's World Club Championship qualifier against Newcastle United, with the Mariners in their home debut at Gosford.

"A lot of people talk about the Newcastle game being a stepping-stone for the league, but we're taking it very seriously," he said.

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