‘That was my goal’: Cummings reflects on Socceroos call-up

Gianluca Filosi 1663206284,1663309882

After receiving the news that he was named in the latest Socceroos squad, Jason Cummings was overjoyed for the first time which comprises 31 players.

The 27-year-old admitted he was stunned and equally ecstatic following the call from Head Coach Graham Arnold.

“I was a bit lost for words for once,” Cummings said at the Socceroos September squad announcement press conference.

“I was over the moon, just really excited. A really proud moment for me and my family.

“It was a goal of mine especially when I came to play in Australia and try and get a call-up but just buzzing.”

Despite being born in Edinburgh, Cummings is eligible to represent the Socceroos due to his Australian mother and the fact his two caps for Scotland in 2017 and 2018 occurred in international friendlies.

“My gran and grandad came over here in the 1960s and they had two daughters, my mum and my auntie,” Cummings said.

“So my mum was born over here and Australia is close to my family and me.

“My brother lives here as well, he’s been here for five years and lives in Perth.

“I can see myself living here for the rest of my life as well so to get a call-up for the famous Socceroos is just unbelievable.”

Now after being selected for the pair of friendlies against New Zealand, the prolific striker has the chance to represent the Green and Gold.

It is something which has been his objective since joining Central Coast Mariners in January 2022.

“This was my goal,” the attacker explained.

“It’s been amazing since I’ve come to Australia, I’ve loved it.

“I’ve really enjoyed my football. There was a time where I was a little bit fallen out of love with the game, a little bit in Scotland.

“But I’ve came out here and I’ve got a manager out here in Monty (Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery), who really believed in me and gave me a chance.

“And just really happy for that and this is the cherry on top, so just the beginning as well for me.

“I’m 27 so I feel I’ve still got a lot of years of my prime left, so hopefully I can get called up many more times.”

Cummings has adjusted to life seamlessly in Australia following his move from Scotland at the beginning of this year.

In 22 matches across all competitions with the Gosford-based club, the talisman has averaged a goal every two games, along with registering six assists.

Graham Arnold said he could not ignore his impressive form any longer and was worthy of the opportunity.

“When he hit the ground running at the Mariners, I could see straight away he was a goal scorer,” Arnold said.

“Obviously he had that in Scotland, and he came here with that reputation… Again if I don’t give him the opportunity now it’s hard for me to give him the opportunity to go to the World Cup.

“We’ve got four number nines there and it’s a matter of picking the best one who’s in form.”