Stoke City defender wants to compete in Tokyo 2020 Olympics | OneFootball

Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar has expressed his desire to represent Australia at the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo next summer.

The 21-year-old was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, but he qualifies to play for Australia through his mother.

The young defender switched his allegiance to the Socceroos in October last year and he has already earned a couple of caps.

He is now looking forward to representing the national team in the Olympics, which has been postponed to next summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was brilliant to break in to the Australia team. I think the last time I was there was nearly a year ago with things being shut down and cancelled,” He told Stoke Sentinel.

“Hopefully I will get back to playing international football soon. I’d love to be picked to play in the Olympics next year.

“That’s certainly the plan. It would be an unbelievable experience, so it’s an opportunity I’m hoping to get.”

Souttar featured for the Socceroos in the World Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Chinese Taipei last year and he scored a brace in both games.

Hence, he has made a sensational start to his international career and has pretty much cemented his spot at the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, Souttar has made the breakthrough with the Potters this term after spending 18 months on loan with League One side Fleetwood Town.

He was initially on the bench for Michael O’Neill’s side, but has since made five appearances across all competitions.

Two of those have come in the Championship, where the Potters have made an indifferent start and are lying 13th on the table.

The Staffordshire outfit have been considered as one of the favourites to make the play-offs after bringing in experienced faces this summer.

John Obi Mikel, Steven Fletcher and James Chester, who was on loan with them last season, were all signed on free transfers.

They ended the previous campaign on a high with four wins from the final six matches, but have picked up just one victory this term.

After four games, they have accumulated only five points and that should not pose a worry with 42 more games left in the regular season.

Stats from Transfermartk.com