Goodwin seeks in from fringe
TIME is a factor for Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin if he wants to realise his ambition of playing for Australia at a World Cup.
The 27-year-old was an unused substitute in several of Australia’s qualifiers on the way to Russia 2018 but didn’t make it into the squad for last year’s tournament.
Having made an impact upon his return to Adelaide in last year’s A-League campaign, Goodwin forced his way back into the national team and picked up his fourth cap in June’s 1-0 friendly defeat to South Korea in Busan.
It was Goodwin’s first appearance for Australia since the May 2016 friendly loss to England at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Having earned a call-up to Graham Arnold’s squad for the opening qualifier for the 2022 World Cup against Kuwait next week, Goodwin knows it’s now or never if he wants to go from fringe Socceroo to national team regular.
“I think now I’m in my prime as such and I’m (playing) the best football I think that I’ve produced in my career,” Goodwin told AAP.
“It’s a pivotal time and to be involved in these World Cup games from the start is very crucial.”
After his career stalled in Holland leading to the mutual termination of his contract with Sparta Rotterdam last year, Goodwin made the most of his return to the A-League.
He won the FFA Cup with Adelaide, and after just one season back in Australia, moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Wehda on a two-year deal in July.
Goodwin has featured in both of his club’s opening two matches of the season but knows regular game time is required if he’s to stay in the Socceroos setup beyond the September 10 clash in Kuwait.
With Celtic pair Tom Rogic and Daniel Arzani, as well as Melbourne Victory recruits Robbie Kruse and Andrew Nabbout among those who will be pushing for attacking spots in Arnold’s future squads, Goodwin is banking on his versatility to ensure he stays in the picture until the 2022 World Cup.
“I have the ability, I believe, to play in different roles, and obviously I know the style that Arnie likes to play.”