Jason Cummings insists his switch of allegiance to Australia was an easy call because “Scotland don’t qualify for the World Cup.”
The former HIbs and Rangers striker made his Socceroos debut last year before being included in Graham Arnold’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the last 16 before being knocked out by eventual winners Argentina. Cummings is now back with his international teammates for their homecoming matches against Ecuador this Friday and next Tuesday.
Cummings had two Scotland caps before opting to play for the country his mum was born in. However, those both came in friendlies, which meant he was eligible for Australia. He’s set to be joined by fellow Scot Alex Robertson. The Manchester City starlet was born in Scotland but grew up in Sydney, and is set to start for the Aussies as Graham Arnold locks in another star born outside of the country’s borders.
He’s also attempting to persuade Italians Alessandro Circati and Cristian Volp[ato to don the green and gold. And Cummings is excited at the prospect. He said: "Alex is a good lad, he was at Ross County on loan - my uncle is a director there - and we were speaking about that.
"He's obviously a top player with a bright future There's a lot of great Australian players and it's a hard job, but he (Arnold) will be loving it, There'll be a new crop coming in with a lot of talent.
"That's what we're focused on now, the future - these friendlies, the Asian Cup (in 2024) and then the World Cup in four years time. It's up to those guys and their families to decide (where their loyalties lie).
"I love it here and it's a great, family environment. For me it was a no brainer because Scotland doesn't qualify for the World Cup."
