Jets' Champness earns Olyroos call-up

Newcastle Jets young gun Joe Champness has earned an Olyroos call-up following an injury to Jaushua Sotirio.

The 20-year-old, who was this week named the A-League's Young Footballer of the Year nominee for December, will link up with the team in China on Wednesday after Newcastle's F3 Derby clash with Central Coast on Tuesday night.

Western Sydney winger Sotirio has flown home after injuring his hamstring in training ahead of the AFC U23 Championship, which begins Thursday.

It is a blow for the Jets, who will be without Champness for two games and possibly their crucial upcoming clash with Melbourne City if the Olyroos progress further in the tournament.

However, his loss will be offset by the recent recruitment of Brazilian Patricio Rodriguez, who is set to make his A-League debut against the Mariners.

"We're obviously disappointed to lose Joey at such a crucial time of the season, but that's just something we have to overcome," Newcastle coach Ernie Merrick said.

"His call-up, on top of the players we've already lost to the tournament and our injury toll certainly doesn't make things easy at the selection table.

"(But) I'm thrilled for Joey, he's been playing some wonderful football this season and thoroughly deserves this call-up."

Champness turned in a man-of-the-match performance against A-League leaders Sydney FC last week and found the back of the net in a pulsating 2-2 draw.

Newcastle's Nick Cowburn and Riley McGree are already with the Olyroos squad.