Jason Cummings says he is 'absolutely buzzing' after he received a call up to the Australia squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
The former Scotland international, who had previously only been capped in friendlies against Netherlands and Hungary in 2017 and 2018, has switched allegiances after reviving his career with Central Coast Mariners. The Socceroos qualified for the Qatar showpiece in June when they edged past Peru on penalties and gaffer Graham Arnold has just announced his 31-man squad ahead of their warm up double header against New Zealand, at home in Brisbane on September 22 then away in Auckland on September 25.
The former Hibs and Rangers striker was left out of the squad that qualified for the tournament despite firing 11 goals in 22 A-League games. But boss Arnold previously said his dream was still very much alive - and after continuing to impress down under he has finally received his call up.
It means Cummings has a shock chance of heading to the World Cup, and he said: "I’m absolutely buzzing, over the moon. It was a goal of mine for a long time now, and especially when I came to Australia in January it was something that I wanted to try and accomplish.
"When I got the call, I was so excited. It is just the beginning as well, hopefully I can get many more call-ups.
"Working with my manager Nick Montgomery has been huge. I fell back in love with the game when I came here. To have a manager that believes in me, who has played me every week.
"I am scoring goals and just thriving. It is good to be rewarded with this call up.”
Australia have also handed first call-ups for St Mirren duo Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain, along with Hearts ace Cameron Devlin. while Celtic's Aaron Mooy is in the squad along with Hibs ace Martin Boyle.
And Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has backed former Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic to win his place back after his surprise move to West Brom. He said: "It’s great. It’s fantastic. I’m so happy I spoke to him.
"He called me to tell me the news of where he was signing, it’s just so great that Tommy’s back. We need our best players and I’ve never held a grudge against anyone ever and there is no reason to have a grudge.
"He’s a player that’s top quality. He brings a lot to the national team but again, at this moment he hasn’t been selected here because he hasn’t kicked a ball in a game since May."
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