Connor Pain says his hectic pre-season has been one he won’t forget, while also revealing he will be sporting some new digits on his kit this season.
Connor Pain says his hectic pre-season has been one he won’t forget, while also revealing he will be sporting some new digits on his kit this season.
Pain has seen plenty of game time during the Hyundai A-League season-break, featuring heavily in the Young Socceroos FIFA U20 World Cup, making his senior Socceroos debut and also starring during Melbourne Victory’s pre-season friendly with English giants, Liverpool.
Press play on the video above to hear Pain talk about his new number, pre-season & more.
“It’s been pretty crazy – to go to Turkey with the U20’s was unreal and I got to share that with a few of the lads here (Scott Galloway & Jason Geria),” Pain said.
The 19-year-old drew special praise from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, following his lively performance in front of more than 95,000 fans at the MCG in July.
Pain said it was a night he wouldn’t be forgetting in a hurry.
“Words can’t really describe what that night was and how amazing it was to be part of.”
Following that huge match, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck handed Pain his senior international debut in the EAFF East Asian Cup against China.
“It’s a good feeling to pull on that strip… and wear those colours with pride.”
Meanwhile, Pain also revealed he will take over the number 11 jersey, left vacant following Marco Rojas’ recent departure from the club. But the youngster doesn’t see it as a burden.
“They are big shoes to fill, he won the Johnny Warren Medal but I love the number, it’s a left-sided player’s number and a few of my idols have worn that number, so really it is exciting.”
