JASON CUMMINGS has held talks on his international future with Australia manager Graham Arnold following his World Cup snub.
The former Hibernian and Dundee striker was left out of Arnold’s selection for the Socceroos’ friendly against Jordan and their make-or-break World Cup play-offs against UAE and - if they win - Peru.
Many had backed Cummings for a call-up after 10 goals and eye-catching form for Central Coast Mariners following his January move Down Under.
Despite having played twice for Scotland in friendlies, the 26-year-old is eager to commit his future to the Socceroos thanks to his Australian mum.
But Arnold has backed his decision to leave the one-time Rangers loanee out of his squad, claiming he is too close in style to fellow former Hibs striker Jamie Maclaren.
Arnold said: “I watch the A-League and it’s great that you’re talking about A-League players not getting selected, because in the past we’ve probably had minimal A-League players selected in the squad.
“Jason Cummings, I look at him as a player and he’s very similar to Jamie Maclaren.
“He’s very different to Tag [Adam Taggart] and [Mitch] Duke and [Nick] D’Agostino, but I look at him as very similar to Jamie and Jamie is the leading scorer in the A-League.
“So, I’ve spoken to Jason about it and he clearly understands where he’s at.
“He’s enjoying things very much and doing exceptionally well on the Central Coast, and it’s great to see. He gives us more options.”
