The teenager has been picked to represent Australia in an international tournament in Japan next month.

What makes his selection all the more impressive is the fact that Coelho spent two-and-a-half weeks in hospital last year, with guillain-barre syndrome, and a further three months in rehab.

An invitation was made to the NSW Government by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for Australia to participate in the Tokyo tournament and Northern NSW Football was chosen to represent the country.

Ten nations are participating including Germany, England, France, Brazil, Korea, Indonesia, Russia, Egypt and host nation Japan.

“It’s the first time Australia’s been invited to play, so it’s an honour to get picked in the side,” the 14-year-old explained.

“It (my selection) was totally out of the blue.

“But, I’m looking forward to the journey.

“I think it will be a good opportunity, not only for the experience but also to witness the cultural differences between Australia and Japan.”

The attacking midfielder is preparing for a change of clubs in 2008 too, with a move to Newcastle on the cards.

“I’m going to have a run with Lake Macquarie,” Coelho said.

“The club competition is strong, which should further my skills and improve my game.

“One day, I’d love to play in the A-League or even better, for the Socceroos.”

The Australian squad, in the 13-14 years age group, will travel with four coaching and support staff from Northern NSW, departing on April 21 and returning April 29.

Football manager for Northern NSW Football David Smith said the tournament would provide many of the young players with their first taste of international representative competition.

“This will be a great learning curve for most of the kids,” he admitted.

“To play against Asian nations who these boys may one day face in World Cup qualifying, will give them an insight into how advanced these nations are on the world stage, even at this junior level.”

Despite the daunting task ahead of them, the players are counting the days until they can touchdown in Japan.

“There’s a great buzz among the kids about the tournament,” Smith said.

“This age group is the next to be targeted for the World Under 17 qualifiers, which start in 2009.

“They are treating it like a ‘world cup’ and, if their enthusiasm and energy levels are any indication, they will follow the example set by the Socceroos and do Northern NSW and Australia proud.”