Karly Roestbakken to captain Young Matildas at AFC under-19's Championship

Roestbakken will wear the captain's armband when the Young Matildas battle to qualify for next year's under-20's World Cup at the AFC Championship in Thailand.

Roestbakken made a shock World Cup debut earlier this year after being a late addition to Ante Milicic's squad for the tournament in France.

But her rise to the international stage has paid divot ends on her Young Matildas' return, with coach Leah Blayney granting her leadership of the squad.

"Being able to put on the jersey is so special to me but to be able to lead the best group of girls is quite special and I hold it close to my heart," Roestbakken said.

"Everyone in this team is a leader so I'm just working alongside all of these talented girls. It's everything to be able to walk out there and hopefully do our country proud."

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The 18-year-old fullback led the Young Matildas through an undefeated campaign in Myanmar to secure their place in the tournament, but she refuses to underestimate the opposition with a World Cup slot on the line.

The Young Matildas are looking to qualify for the under-20's World Cup for the first time since 2006, when Roestbakken was only five-years-old.

Blayney's side will kick off their campaign against North Korea on Sunday, before playing Thailand and Vietnam.

The top two teams in their group will advance to the semi-finals of the competition, with the top three sides earning a qualification slot at the next year's World Cup.

"Our sessions have been really good and we've been working really hard for our first game of the tournament," Roestbakken said.

"North Korea are a very good side who are going to be very technical and physical. I think we're prepared for it and ready to give it a good fight.

"Qualifying for the World Cup would be unreal because it hasn't happened for such a long time. It hasn't happened from the Asian qualifiers because they used to go through the Pacific, so no team has qualified from this tournament.

"If we qualify, it would be another highlight to add to the list. It would be icing on top of the cake really."

Roestbakken and goalkeeper Annalee Grove will return to the capital to resume their W-League preparations with Canberra United after the tournament.

The thrice-capped Matilda is looking forward to her Canberra homecoming, with the club set to kick off their campaign with two home games against Perth Glory and Melbourne City at McKellar Park.

"I love home games, they're the best. We have a really good fan base," Roestbakken said.

"It'll be a nice welcome home but I think it's great to have the first two games at home for the team to settle in and get going.

"It's really exciting to come home and play with a team I'm familiar with. I've been away from home since February.

"It's nice to be able to play under Heather [Garriock] again and I think the team is looking good."

Canberra United are expected to announce another domestic signing this week as Garriock continues to build her squad for the 2019-20 season.

YOUNG MATILDAS FIXTURES

AFC under-19's Championship in Thailand

DPR Korea v Australia, Sunday 8pm

Australia v Thailand, Wednesday 11pm

Australia v Vietnam, Saturday 8pm

*All times in AEST