Football Tasmania has congratulated Tasmanian footballer Nathaniel Atkinson for his selection in the latest Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifying matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
If Atkinson makes the pitch in either match, he will be the first capped Tasmanian Socceroo since Dominic Longo in 1998, and the first capped Australian representative since Matilda Zoe Nolan in 2002.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley praised the efforts of the former Riverside Olympic player in reaching the highest levels of the game.
“Nathaniel has been a trailblazer for Tasmanian football, doing so well to establish himself in the A-League, being awarded the Joe Marston Medal for best afield in last year’s grand final and getting picked up by Hearts in Scotland,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“To now be selected to represent his country in two crucial matches is an extraordinary achievement, and on behalf of the Tasmanian football community I wish him the very best.
“We hope to see him make the pitch and make a big impact on the matches, but even if he doesn’t he has still done himself, his family and his state proud.”