CONNOR O'Toole will never forget the feeling when the full-time whistle blew. Pure elation.
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The Olyroos had hung tough to beat Uzbekistan 1-0 in their final Olympic qualifier to secure a place at the Tokyo Games.
"Most of the boys started crying. It was pure elation," O'Toole said of the magic moment in January. "I don't think many people expected us to go as far as we did. We said, 'let's show everyone what we can do'."
The Olympics have been postponed until July next year, but O'Toole's drive to make the final squad remains as strong as ever.
The left back and Jets teammates Angus Thurgate, Johnny Koutroumbis and Ramy Najjarine are part of a 26-man Olyroos squad in camp in Sydney this week.
"There are a lot of players competing for spots," O'Toole said. "It won't be an easy squad to make. I just have to work hard and keep my fingers crossed. Anything can happen between now and next July."
O'Toole was still at the Brisbane Roar when selected for the Vietnam qualifiers in January, where he played back-up to Alex Gersbach.
"I wasn't too involved [in the first team squad] at the Roar at the time," O'Toole said. "When we qualified for the Olympics, [coach] Graham Arnold said if you are not playing, you won't be in the squad."
O'Toole joined the Jets on returning from Vietnam and after a slow beginning, played the final five game of the COVID-interrupted season at left back.
"I didn't have the best time in the back end of my run in Brisbane," O'Toole said. "Once I got into the team here, it was refreshing and good to be playing football again.
"I was back enjoying playing, rather than cruising through knowing I won't get selected. Now I have a good opportunity of playing every week, it is a lot easier to go into training and work hard. If I can get games under my belt, I can't see why I wouldn't be in contention [for Tokyo]."
O'Toole is one of three left backs alongside Joel King (Sydney) and Wellington recruit Josh Laws in the Australian-based squad.
The Olyroos will play friendlies against Sydney on Thursday night at Jubilee Stadium and new A-League club Macarthur next Tuesday at the same venue.
"That is the best part of these camps," O'Toole said. "Because we only have a limited time, it's good to get the games in. It is a lot different to training.
"Arnie likes doing both. He doesn't treat it like a rest. His attitude is let's get to work, lets get prepared for when we play competitive games.
"We haven't had many camps and we have to make the most of the time when we do get in."
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
