Trophy-hungry Catley wants Matildas win
After lifting the W-League trophy on the weekend, Steph Catley says the Matildas should shoot for a first piece of silverware in seven years when they play next month at the Algarve Cup.
The Australian women's soccer team has risen to be world No.6 under coach Alen Stajcic after recording quarter-final appearances at the most recent World Cup and Olympics.
They resume duties this week for the first time since the August Rio Games, coming into camp to prepare for the Portugal-based tournament.
Catley, a part of the Matildas' furniture, will be one of the veterans in an expanded 25-woman group.
Joining in for the first time will be 15-year-old City teammate Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, and 17-year-old pair Jada Mathyssen-Whymanand Grace Maher.
Mathyssen-Whyman wowed in goal this season for Western Sydney while Maher played a role in helping Canberra United finish top of the table.
The inclusion of Galabadaarachchi, despite trials with major European clubs, at just 15 raised eyebrows, but Catley backed the young midfielder to make an impact.
"It's hard to know if a player is ready until they come in and train with us. I'll guess we'll see," she told AAP.
"I think that's why Staj (Stajcic) brought in a few players to see what it's like and to see if they can make it with the big dogs.
"But I'm sure she'll be fine - she's an incredible player."
The 23-year-old added another trophy to an overflowing cabinet on Tuesday night when she was awarded City's W-League player of the year.
In Portugal, Australia face a taxing time against Sweden (ranked world No.8), the Netherlands (12) and China (13).
While the top-ranked opponents will make passage to the final challenging, only Canada (world No.4) are ranked above the Matildas and Catley says that should bring confidence.
"We have an incredible team and we're straight off the back of a great season so we should be in good form," she said.
"You go into any tournament wanting to win it and everyone should be fit and firing.
"Hopefully, we can put on a good show and come out with a win."
