How close is Tongyik to Caltex Socceroo selection?

Very close if not for some red tape. The Sudan-born Melbourne City rising star could've easily joined Riley McGree as another fresh face in the Caltex Socceroos squad announced yesterday.

Tongyik appears close to a senior national team call-up with Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou revealing he could have been selected in his latest squad had it not been for paperwork. 

Ange on Tongyik

“Tongyik from Melbourne City is another one who is really impressive. His paperwork hasn’t been cleared yet in terms of being eligible but he would have been close to this squad as well had he been. For guys like that I want to make sure we don’t wait too long to give them an opportunity.”

Tongyik stats this season

Age: 20

Hyundai A-League games: 11

Passing accuracy: 90.2%

Clearances: 37

Interceptions: 30

The Caltex Socceroos boss announced his 30-man squad on Wednesday for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE. 

Caltex Socceroos squad named for Iraq, UAE WCQs

Latest Ange squad: 4 things we learnt

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28. Click here for tickets