Antonee Robinson eager to take USA chance

Antonee Robinson is eager to capitalise on his first senior call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team.

The Everton loanee has been included in a youthful 23-man squad to face Paraguay in a friendly on Tuesday night after showing excellent form for the Whites so far this season.

“I’ve been waiting for a while to hear back from the National Team since the last time I got called up [for the Under-18s in 2014],” the 20-year-old told ussoccer.com.

“I was just really excited at that point. They said that they’ve been watching my progress and that they’d been impressed.

“I answered and it was Dave Sarachan saying that he was interested in calling me up. I pressed mute on my phone so my girlfriend and I could shout to each other how excited we were.”

With a number of fresh faces added to the squad, Robinson is hopeful that an impressive showing will lift him higher up the left-back pecking order.

“All the young lads are looking to make an impact.

“Obviously, the team’s now looking at the next generation of players, so we’re all looking to take our chance.

“If I was ever going to get called up, it’d be a massive chance.

“I’ve seen a lot of U.S. fans tweeting at me saying ‘We need a left-back’. I know it’s up for the taking.

“This is a big country with a bright future. I’m glad I’ve got the chance to make an impression.”

The U.S. take on Paraguay at WakeMed Soccer Park in North Carolina. Kick-off is 12.30pm in the UK.

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