George Timotheou hopes to bolster Olympics bid in Belgium

The Canberra product is seeking clearance to rejoin Belgian First Division A club Zulte-Waregem, having been stuck in Australia since the coronavirus changed the world.

Timotheou's world has changed, too. His partner Amanda is expecting their first baby in September, so wherever he goes, he's a package deal of three.

The 22-year-old defender had been close to signing with A-League expansion club Western United before the 2019-2020 season was suspended.

He also attracted interest from Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United.

But for now his main focus is preparing well for the European season and boosting his bid for Olympic selection.

"Right now, I'm just focusing on pre-season and seeing how that goes," Timotheou said.

"If something else eventuates here or wherever, then I'm always open to it as long as I know I'm going to play and there's serious interest for me.

"I'd never rule anything out and being in Australia would be a little bit easier with my missus pregnant and we're expecting soon.

"It would make the lifestyle situation a little bit easier but you only get limited opportunities overseas, especially in Europe. I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes."

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Timotheou was left out of Graham Arnold's under-23 squad for the Asian championships earlier this year, missing the opportunity to help the Olyroos qualify for the Tokyo Games.

He's struggled to get game time at Zulte-Waregem since making his debut off the bench against Standard Liege in August.

The postponement of the Olympic Games to 2021 has given the Canberran a second chance to prove himself for national selection and fulfil his Tokyo dream.

The centre-back has vowed to come back stronger and push for more minutes in Belgium to bolster his Olympics bid.

"I didn't play too much last year, so that's my main goal for next season, to focus on having more consistency and game time," Timotheou said.

"It was better to hear the Olympics got postponed because it gives me more time to cement my spot in the team.

"Especially if you're playing in Europe consistently, that national team is definitely going to be looking at you first. The competition is a lot better over there.

"If you're playing week-in and week-out, that's just going to boost your chances of getting into the squad for next year.

"It's a massive thing, it's always been a dream of mine to play in the Olympics. That's my goal for this year."

Timotheou has been studying a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of New England during shutdown, while preparing for his new chapter as a dad.

He found out his partner was pregnant three months ago and is excited to meet "Little Timotheou" in September.

"A future superstar ... so I hope," Timotheou grinned.

"I'm really excited. It was a bit of a shock to us but it's a blessing and we welcome it.

"We'll work together forever now I guess. We're a packaged deal with a family of three, so wherever one of us is, that's where the other is."