JASON CUMMINGS has held talks on his international future with Australia manager Graham Arnold following his World Cup snub.
The former Hibernian and Dundee striker was left out of Arnold’s selection for the Socceroos’ friendly against Jordan and their make-or-break World Cup play-offs against UAE and - if they win - Peru.
Many had backed Cummings for a call-up after 10 goals and eye-catching form for Central Coast Mariners following his January move Down Under.
Despite having played twice for Scotland in friendlies, the 26-year-old is eager to commit his future to the Socceroos thanks to his Australian mum.
But Arnold has backed his decision to leave the one-time Rangers loanee out of his squad, claiming he is too close in style to fellow former Hibs striker Jamie Maclaren.
Arnold said: “I watch the A-League and it’s great that you’re talking about A-League players not getting selected, because in the past we’ve probably had minimal A-League players selected in the squad.
“Jason Cummings, I look at him as a player and he’s very similar to Jamie Maclaren.
“He’s very different to Tag [Adam Taggart] and [Mitch] Duke and [Nick] D’Agostino, but I look at him as very similar to Jamie and Jamie is the leading scorer in the A-League.
“So, I’ve spoken to Jason about it and he clearly understands where he’s at.
“He’s enjoying things very much and doing exceptionally well on the Central Coast, and it’s great to see. He gives us more options.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here