Charlie Kelman, a striker for Wigan Athletic, is expecting a call-up to the US national squad for the 2024 Olympics after some impressive League One play.
In just four starts since moving on loan from Queens Park Rangers to Wigan during the January transfer window, the 22-year-old has scored three goals. In Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Charlton, Kelman scored twice for the Greater Manchester team. The striker scored twice in the space of four minutes to assist his team salvage a point.
In Wigan’s previous seven games, it was Kelman’s second start. Seven of the former Gillingham player’s 11 appearances this season have come off the bench as he has battled for regular playing time at the DW Stadium.
Although Kelman hasn’t had many starts under Shaun Maloney, he thinks he’s demonstrated enough talent to be included in the US Olympic team for 2024. Because his father has been a citizen of the United States for a long time, the 22-year-old is eligible for a US call-up.
Before returning to the UK, Kelman also played for FC Dallas’s youth teams during his formative years in the US. According to Transfermarkt, the striker played for Southend United after his return and made his senior debut in an EFL Cup match against Southampton’s under-23 team in November 2018.
On the other hand, Kelman has experience with the US national team, having played for the under-18 and under-20 squads. Speaking to Wigan Today regarding his prospects of being selected for the US team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Kelman backed himself to guarantee a spot if he can deliver in the latter part of the League One campaign.
“Although there are many extremely talented players my age, I like to think I’m up there (in the running for a call-up).
“I demonstrated that to Charlton. I’m hoping to score goals for the next three games, and you never know where it could lead.
“I’m keeping a close eye on it, so maybe I can get a late call in!”
To establish himself as a candidate for the US national team in the Olympics, Kelman will be looking for a run of games in the starting lineup for Wigna. Furthermore, this summer, his prior youth-level expertise with the country may come to his advantage.
The Latics are now 13th in League One and will likely finish in the middle of the table in 2023–2024. With only three games remaining in the season, Maloney might give Kelman additional chances to earn a selection at the Olympics, especially in light of his recent goal-scoring prowess at the Valley.
