All Noah Botic has ever wanted is to be a Socceroo.
But now that dream is growing ever closer, it’s the last thing he wants to think about.
The Western United striker sits second in the A-League Men golden boot, with eight goals, including five in his past four games, and four assists, his best season to date.
It’s form that could thrust him into contention for a maiden Socceroos call-up as early as March’s World Cup qualifiers, while he looms as a potential answer to Australia’s ongoing search for the next long-term number nine.
But the 23-year-old, mentored by United coach and Socceroos great John Aloisi, is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
“I’m been dreaming of it since I was 10 years old. I’ve always said to my parents I’m going to play for the Socceroos one day,” Botic told AAP.
“But the moment it’s the last thing that I’m thinking about.
“Because you won’t make the team if you’re not mainly focusing on club football, which I am at the moment. And these things just come with time.
“I’m just taking it game by game as much as I can.”
It’s working.
Botic is high on confidence and scoring from everywhere, in a dynamic front two alongside Japanese veteran Hiroshi Ibusuki.
Hard work on his aerial game has paid off with four headers while he has grown in stature under Aloisi, who considers him a future Socceroo.
“The main reason I actually decided to come to Western was to learn off John, because I knew he could give me a lot of advice and I could learn a lot off him,” Botic said.
“The experience that he had over his career, playing in Europe, especially at a young age as well, he was the right choice for me.”
Overseas offers have already come for Botic, who dreams of making it in Europe.
He’s already had a taste, joining German club Hoffenheim as a teenager – a steeling experience he will draw upon before making his next move.
“The end goal is to always go back and play overseas in Europe,” Botic said. “When I did go over, I feel like it was a bit too soon.
“I know I’ve got to make the right decision for the right club for me and not just go to a club that’s got a big name.
“If I do end up going over, in the next couple of years, that’s to a club where I’m gonna fit in well with their style, which I do here (at United) – because I love to attack and press forward as high as possible and get those opportunities on goal.
“But at the moment, I’m solely focused on Western to do the best that I can for the team to hopefully make the playoffs, and if not come first, hopefully get another trophy for the club and hopefully win another championship.”
Next up, he’ll tackle third-placed Western’s high-stakes clash with leaders Auckland FC at Ironbark Fields on Saturday, after scoring in a shock 4-0 win last time.
“Hopefully we can get another win against Auckland,” he said.
“And another goal for myself, another header, would just top it off.”
