Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery reckons former Hibs and Rangers striker Jason Cummings is more than capable of reaching the World Cup in Qatar this year after shining in his team.
The striker started his career in Edinburgh and made himself a hero with 71 goals across 149 games, but off the field antics is what he's gathered a name for also. His move to Nottingham Forest five years ago didn't quite click and a loan to Rangers brought six goals in 18 games before eventually ending up at Shrewsbury Town in 2019.
18 months ago, Cummings returned north with Dundee but that spell ended in disarray after claims from former boss James McPake that he was unfit to train after attending an Open Goal event back in December. His professionalism was questioned and it was claimed the striker was in no condition to join his teammates, not featuring for them again.
But since his winter move to Australia, Cummings has been on fire, contributing to 16 goals in 21 games and it's sparked talk of heading to World Cup 2022 with the Socceroos, eligible through his mum.
Disciplinary issues haven't been an issue for Montgomery to worry about with Cummings, who's already signed a new deal until 2024. Talk of a Qatar berth is well deserved.
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Montgomery explained exclusively to Glasgow Live Sport: "Jason has been fantastic. I brought him over here knowing he's a quality player. He has turned his life around and concentrated on what he does on the park.
"He's kept his head down on the park. He has produced and he is unfortunate not to have been called up to the national team yet.
"I did my own research on him and I spoke to people who knew him. I spoke to people who knew him and they said he was a big character.
"But they also said if you can manage him and get his head right, he will score goals. That's what he has done and I haven't got one bad word to say about him.
"I have told him that he needs to keep his head down. He's really matured. He has a lot of support over here and people are calling for him to get a call-up. With the World Cup coming up, hopefully he can put his hand up for it."
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