JOHN Aeta a surprise inclusion in the national football side says he is keen to start against Fiji tomorrow in Suva.
Aeta was called up to the national senior team by Spaniard Felipe Vega-Arango after his impressive display at the OFC under-17 championship in Tahiti earlier this year.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, Aeta said he is determined to make an impression in Fiji.
“I would like to start in the first friendly on Friday. It will be a dream come true to grab my first senior cap.
“If given the chance to play from the start, I will do my utmost best to show the coaching staff what I can offer to our playing system,” the former under-17 captain said.
The 17 year old stressed he believes his early step up to the national side is down to hard work.
“Many people were surprised by my progress as a youth player.
“To be honest, for me personally it was not a surprise at all because I believe with my hard work in training with my club and the youth national team, making the national side is normal,” Aeta explained.
Recently, Vega-Arango has spoken highly of the young defender by saying Aeta is a gifted player.
“Aeta is extremely good, I like him a lot. From day one in training I can say this guy can play in the Spanish La Liga, he is really gifted and I told him be smart to use it,” he said.
Vega-Arango believes the friendlies with Fiji are going to help with their this build up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers – OFC Stage three.
Aeta look set to record his first senior international appearance tomorrow when our national team takes on Fiji at the ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
The first friendly match between Solomon Islands and Fiji will be played at 8pm local time.
By SIMON ABANA
