Swindon Town academy striker Botan Ameen spoke about the proud experience of playing with the Iraq Under-20s over the summer.

Ameen was one of the stars of Town’s run to the quarterfinals of the FA Youth Cup last season, scoring both goals in the memorable 2-0 win over Manchester United in the fourth round, and his performances were rewarded with international recognition for Iraq.

Ameen made his debut for Iraq Under-19s in July against Jordan before starting during a 2-0 win over Lebanon having also been involved with the Under-20s for games against first division sides Al Zawraa and Al Hudood SC.

Ameen told club media: “I would say that it was on par with the Man United performance [as the proudest moment of my career], especially my game against Lebanon.

“That was the first international game I have started and I would say that I played really well, I created a lot of chances but unfortunately we didn’t finish them. I am grateful for the start that they gave me to play against Lebanon Under-20s.

“[When I heard about the call-up] everyone was buzzing, my brother, my sister, my mum and dad, my dad especially he was very happy and he managed to go with me to Iraq and see me train and play, I am sure he was very proud.

“It means a lot, my footballing journey has never been a straight path, I have had highs and I have had lows and I have shared those highs and lows with my dad and he has helped me get out of some dark places."

 

 

Now that Ameen has received his first call-up and played at the international level for the first time, he said that he was keen to cement himself within the set-up.

He said: “Hopefully I can be involved in more games, hopefully, I can start as well, become a starting 11 player because I am yet to put myself out in the starting 11 and I am yet to show what I have got in the tank.

“Also, hopefully, I can be involved in Asian Cup games and World Cup games that will soon be approaching.

“[With Swindon I want to] increase my goals and assist tally, get double figures in goals and assists, hopefully.

“And then cement myself in the starting 11, I can’t wait [to get going], we have done a lot of pre-season work and I would say we are ready.”