Reading FC's Karacan boosted by Turkey call-up
James Walker-Roberts • Published 11 Nov 2011 12:30
0 Comments
JEM Karacan might not look at his most serious sporting a Movember moustache, but there is no doubting the determination in his voice when he talks about his international ambitions.
The 22-year-old has played for Turkey at nearly age level, making his debut for the Under 17 side in 2006 and then appearing for the U18s and U19s before making his U21 debut in 2008.
He has since gone on to captain the U21 side and received a call-up to the U23 side for the impending international break.
Unfortunately for Karacan, an injury picked up in the win over Birmingham last weekend meant the midfielder had to turn the opportunity down.
He explained: "I got called up but I'm coming in for treatment on a rolled ankle, so I've got to rest up and get myself right."
And Karacan is hoping that by getting himself right, and continuing to prove himself at Reading, he will not only make the U23 squad, but also the senior Turkey side.
"I know I can be a Turkish international so I've got to keep working hard, do well for this team and keep pushing up my reputation," he said.
"It would be nice to put the kit back on after almost 18 months; I look at the full squad and it has players playing for the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, so it's not easy squad to get into, I know that.
"You've got players that are playing throughout Europe, that's how good the Turkish squad is, so even to be recognised for the U23s is brilliant."
While the midfielder might not be going back to play for his country during the international break he is doing his bit to help his nation by growing a moustache through November.
All of the proceeds he raises will be donated towards helping people involved in the Turkish earthquake, which killed over 400 people when it struck last month."
"I was always going to do it, and now if I can keep it going all month I'm going to donate some money towards the Turkish earthquake appeal," said Karacan.
"It's all for a good cause even if I have been getting a bit of banter for it. If it doesn't itch as much as it has been I'll be keeping it, but either way if I can spare a bit for the charity appeal then I'll put something towards it."
Should Karacan manage to keep the moustache, he will be seen sporting it at the Madjeski again later this month when Reading host Cardiff City.
The sides last met in the Championship play-offs when Royals won 3-0 in Wales to progress to the final at Wembley.
Reading will be looking for a similiar result on November 19 as they look to improve on a home record which has seen them win just two games out of six.
"A couple of things didn't quite go our way against both Derby and Southampton, which we should have won, but you have to take the positives from the games," said Karacan.
"We were delighted with the win against Birmingham, we know ourselves that we weren't at our best against Nottingham Forest and it was good to respond with a win.
"We've been disappointed not to score more goals recently but it was nice to get the three points against Birmingham and a great way to go into the international break."
Following the meeting with Cardiff, Royals travel to Ipswich Town on Saturday 26 and then host Peterborough the following Tuesday evening.
They then face a tough run-up to Christmas that sees them play Blackpool, West Ham, Leeds United and Brighton.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 10 Nov 11
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
-
******
Mar 4, 03:48
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
