Bouzanis will choose Socceroos: Verbeek

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is convinced torn teenage goalkeeping prodigy Dean Bouzanis will pledge his allegiance to Australia.

The 17-year-old, who is signed to English giants Liverpool, grew up in Australia but has Greek parents.

He is a dual citizen and has represented the Olyroos at under-17 level and Greece at under-19 level.

The Sydney product has also been approached by Greek footballing authorities to discuss his future.

Verbeek has been in Europe checking in on Australian players ahead of four World Cup qualifiers in June and said he'd met with Bouzanis to talk the issue over.

"I spoke with him personally when I was in Liverpool about this situation. I told him to follow his heart, and as far as he is concerned, it is in Australia," Verbeek said.

"He said, `because my family is there and everybody is there I am proud to be part of the Australian selection and possibly for the Olyroos at the Olympics'.

"He made a good impression on me, he is a nice guy. It's good."

Bouzanis has not been included in Graham Arnold's 17-man Olyroos squad which assembled in Townsville on Thursday, with controversial Central Coast Mariner Danny Vukovic and Perth Glory's Tando Velaphi taking up the two goalkeeping spots.

Bouzanis is not restricted to one country until he represents the national senior team.