CLARETS midfielder Mark Robertson has won a recall to the Australian under-23 squad to raise his hopes of competing in the Sydney Olympics later this year.
National coach Raul Blanco watched Robertson turn in a match-winning performance for Wollongong Wolves in the final of the Australian Grand final.
And he responded by handing Robertson, on loan with the Wolves, a call-up to the Olyroos squad for their training camp at Surfers' Paradise starting on July 3.
"If I hadn't played as well as I did I might have been struggling. But them he rang me on Wednesday which was great news," said Robertson, who has gone from being a stand-by squad player to a genuine prospect for the Games in September.
"It's probably one of the last camps before they make the final decision," he added.
A frustrating season for Robertson ended on the highest possible note after he came off the bench to help the Wolves overcome a 3-0 half-time deficit against Perth Glory and win their first ever national title in a penalty shoot-out. The 23-year-old hadn't started a League game for Burnley prior to heading home and joining Wollongong for a loan spell three months ago.
Even Down Under things didn't click straight-away as Robertson was troubled by a groin injury.
But after coming on as a substitute in the semi-final win over Carleton, Robertson then enjoyed his finest hour when proving the key figure in the Wolves' incredible comeback.
"I did have an impact on the game which I was pleased about," he said.
"It had all gone pear-shaped and then I came on at half-time. I played the game of my life really, and it was the best time to do it.
"It couldn't have been a better day. I've never had a reception like I have had from everyone over the past couple of days."
In a remarkable parallel with events back in Burnley when they clinched promotion at the 11th hour, Robertson has been enjoying civic celebrations in Wollongong.
And tonight he will be a guest at the Australian League's player-of-the-year awards at a ceremony in Sydney.
"I'm pretty honoured about that. I had a phone call inviting me so just to be part of that will be great. I'm still up in the clouds. It's definitely been the highlight of my career."
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