Socceroo ‘proud’ after Lazio starting debut

Socceroo Chris Ikonomidis said he was happy and proud to have made his starting debut for Italian club Lazio in the Europa League overnight.

Lazio's 1-1 draw with Saint Etienne in France ensured the Serie A club finished Group G undefeated as they topped the standings on 14 points ahead of the French club.  

“I’m very happy. Finally I’ve made my debut,” the Socceroo told www.lalaziosiamonoi.it

Ikonomidis, who had been on Lazio's bench a number of times and made his Socceroos debut against Macedonia in March, was replaced by Antonio Candreva late on.

“I’m proud to wear the shirt [of Lazio] in the first team. It’s been an honour tonight. It’s been 20 years I’ve waited for this moment since I was a boy in Australia.

“It’s a unique emotion to play in the Europa League.

“I’m certain I have to work at the maximum in the future and I’ll continue to do that."

Elsewhere in Europe, Brad Smith also made his starting debut in Liverpool's stalemate with FC Sion.

Smith makes starting Liverpool debut against Sion

Socceroo Tom Rogic played the last 16 minutes in Celtic's 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce.

And ex-Australia Under 17 international Apostolos Giannou played 90 minutes in Asteras Tripolis' 4-0 home loss to Schalke.

Former Melbourne Victory full-back Adama Traore completed a full shift in Basel's 1-0 triumph over Lech Poznan.

With thanks to @OSAussies