The Newcastle United Blog | Australia manager has some sound advice for Newcastle’s newest addition

Garang Kuol got his first glimpse of the future on Saturday at Fulham. The 18-year-old was unveiled in January’s first catch last Friday. The next day he was at Craven Cottage sitting among away supporters for the 4-1 win.

Kuol won’t officially join Newcastle until the winter window opens. In the meantime, he will play for Central Coast Mariners as their season kicks off this weekend against Newcastle Jets in the Australian A-League.

The striker’s current aim is to impress enough to retain his place with the Australian national team for next month’s World Cup. He made his debut and impressed against Chris Wood and New Zealand on the recently concluded international break.

Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Slater, who had 44 caps for Australia, has interviewed Socceroos boss Graham Arnold for Sports code. Kuol’s name came up several times.

Asked about Kuol’s chances of competing at the World Cup, Arnold replied:

“Well, he’s in the running. He was something different when he arrived and that’s what we’re looking for. But again, he has a lot to learn. It’s rough and it’s raw, and that’s expected at age 18.

“I’ve shown that I’m ready to take those kinds of risks, and that’s to shock and surprise opponents, but he’s got a long, long way to go.

“He has to go wherever he is and work hard. He is now returning to the Central Coast Mariners, so it will be interesting to see if he starts every week.

The Aussie manager has tempered expectations for the teenager. Kuol has been in a whirlwind for the past few weeks and needs to focus on next month with Central Coast Mariners.

While he is yet to make his full debut for club or country, Kuol appeared confident and mature during his interview on Friday. Eddie Howe even remarked during his press conference that the youngster exudes confidence.

Kuol didn’t get ahead of himself and proclaimed his goal was to play well for the Central Coast Mariners and then hopefully Australia in Qatar. He seems to have what it takes to succeed.

Arnold was also asked about Kuol’s massive move to Newcastle. Of course, he understands how important it is for the young striker. It is still in the development phase and will need the right support to excel.

Here is Arnold’s response on the move to St. James’ Park:

“It’s a great opportunity but straight away he’s on loan.

“I hope where they loan him out they have the resources and they have the right coach and the right environment for him because it’s very important for a young player, that he feels at home – he leaves his family and everyone behind here.

Eddie Howe has said Kuol will be loaned out to a club in Europe. Although there are a few suitors, no decision has been made at this stage on where he will land. If he gets a few World Cup appearances, it could speed up his getting a work permit.

There are a few stops along the way before Kuol dons the black and white jersey for the first time in a game. He has the opportunity to progress for the rest of this season and will hopefully be involved in the pre-season next summer.