From Wrexham Goal to Wales Representation
Joe Lacey made his A-League debut for Sydney FC as a substitute against Perth Glory in April. From scoring against Wrexham to representing Wales in Wrexham, Joe Lacey has experienced a "full circle" moment within 12 months.
Lacey, 19, scored the winning goal for Sydney FC in a friendly match against Wrexham in July last year. The midfielder described scoring his first professional goal in the game at the Allianz Stadium as an experience that "felt like a video game."
"Yeah, that was a good moment," Lacey told Wales after playing for Wales Under-19s at the Racecourse in the UEFA Men's Under-19 Championship.
"I think that helped me get selected for Wales, to be honest.
"Coming here is kind of a full-circle moment - scoring against Wrexham and then having the Euros at the Racecourse."
Welsh Roots and International Ambitions
Although born in New South Wales and having represented Australia at Under-20 level, Lacey’s international ambitions are firmly aligned with Wales.
"My mum's from Pontypridd, she grew up there and lived there until she was about 22. My dad met her at Swansea University," he explained.
"My roots run deep in Wales, so I'm a proud Welshman.
"Playing for Wales now, that is the goal.
"That's a dream of mine, representing my family in Wales is a big thing."
Under-19 Euros Participation
Lacey was selected in Chris Gunter’s squad for the Under-19 Euros. He appeared as a substitute against Germany and started in the final group game against Denmark.
Wales faced challenging opponents during the tournament, suffering heavy defeats: 7-0 to Spain, 4-0 to Germany, and 3-0 to Denmark.
"Obviously, some of the scorelines were quite large but I think we left everything out there that we could," Lacey said.
"We always backed ourselves to do well, and look we didn't end up coming here and achieving what we wanted to achieve, but the effort from the boys and the passion that we had in the changing room and in the hotel for the past two weeks was there.
"Different results didn't go our way, but that's football."
Reflections on Wales and Australia
Wales’ exit from the Under-19 Euros came a day after Australia was eliminated from the World Cup by Egypt on penalties.
"I've got mates that play for Australia, obviously, growing up there my whole life," Lacey added.
"It's disappointing for them, but yet again, I'm fully focused on Wales."
