Jason Cummings admit he teared up when he realised he'd been called up by Australia for the World Cup. But he admits it took its time to sink in - as he slept through the initial phone call!
The former Hibs, Dundee and Rangers striker has been in inspired form since swapping the SPFL for the A-League and has 12 goals in 24 games for Central Coast Mariners - including two in three this season. Previously capped twice for Scotland but only in friendlies, he switched his international allegiance to the country of his mother's birth earlier this year with a spot at Qatar in mind.
It's a decision that has paid off for the 27-year-old in some style. Cummings scored on his debut against New Zealand back in September and he was named as one of a huge host of SPFL connections in the Socceroos squad by Graham Arnold on Tuesday. But while he's been Down Under for nine months, it seems the time difference is still taking a bit of getting used to - as the initial call from Arnold fell on deaf ears. Or sleepy ears, at least.
Speaking to his club TV channel after their 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, he said: "I actually got woken up by Graham, he phoned me at half seven in the morning. I thought 'he never phones me, it must be something to do with the Socceroos. I actually missed the call because I was still half asleep.
"I went and checked my phone and the boy James from the Socceroos had messaged me saying 'Hi Jason, congratulations! You're going to Qatar.' The euphoria that came over me, I just jumped out of bed. I was buzzing! I actually got a bit emotional as well, when I found out I was tearing up a wee bit.
"I phoned my mum straight away, I saw my dog on facetime, and my family were just over the moon. It was a surreal moment."
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