Returning Taggart enjoying his football ahead of striker spot shootout

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Adam Taggart says that he is enjoying playing football again as he looks to secure the Subway Socceroos striker spot during the March window. 

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Taggart last played for Australia in 2022, but a series of injuries and inconsistent game time saw the striker drop out of the reckoning.

However, a sharp return to form with Perth Glory in the A-League Men’s has put Taggart back in Graham Arnold’s plans.

The striker has 15 goals in the ALM this campaign and is the joint top goalscorer with fellow Socceroo Bruno Fornaroli.

Taggart said he thought he was never going to play for the green and gold again after his last call-up.

He was, therefore, delighted when Graham Arnold told him he would be returning to national team duty.

“I cherish being in here,” Taggart said. 

“He [Arnold] called me after the game he was over in Perth to watch, and we just had a bit of a chat about things.

“I was told I was up for selection in the upcoming camp, and I was over the moon."

“It was nice to hear from him and nice to know that I was in the fray.”

He said getting into a routine that enabled him to stay fit and coming back home to Perth have contributed to his recall.

“Going back to Perth, getting into a good training schedule. Something that fits in with my body and the weekly routine that gets me ready for a game has probably worked really well for me,” he said. 

Adam Taggart celebrates the win (Image Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images)

“When I’m happy off the field, I usually play my best football, and I think over the last four years in Asia, as great of a league and competition as they are, it’s difficult when you don’t have the support of family and friends.

“Going back home, being around family and friends and playing for a club that I’m passionate about and grew up supporting naturally, I feel happier and there’s less stress. You can enjoy your football.

“This season, I’ve been able to play most games and I’ve just been enjoying it. I think when I’m fit and healthy and playing for a club I really like; the rest takes care of itself.”

Australia’s 25-man squad features several central strikers, leaving Taggart with plenty of competition for a place in the starting 11.

The aforementioned Fornaroli is joined by the ever-present Mitchell Duke, with Brandon Borrello, John Iredale and Kusini Yengi Graham Arnold’s other forward options for this window.

Taggart said he is looking to utilise his limited time in this window to put his best foot forward and is eager to find his national team scoring touch again.

He also said that he hoped his previous experience with the Socceroos would help to quickly re-establish himself in the team.

“There are lots of good strikers here, and there always have been, so I’m looking forward to contributing in whatever way possible,” he said.

“They're all good players and good guys as well. Probably all different types of players as well."

“I think coming off the back of a lot of games, and I’ve been scoring goals. I’m hoping that I can contribute in that way here as well."

“You’ve just got to take off and do the best you can early on.” 

Taggart will look to get his first minutes back in Australian colours on Thursday night when the Socceroos host Lebanon at CommBank Stadium. 

MATCH DETAILS:

Subway Socceroos v Lebanon
Thursday, 21 March 2024
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $30 Adult, $80 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+

Lebanon v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+