Kosmina calls on Taggart to lift game

FORMER Socceroos striker John Kosmina says in- form Brisbane Roar marksman Adam Taggart must become even more consistent if he is to have a chance of forcing his way into Australia’s squad for January’s Asian Cup.

Taggart’s double in the Roar’s 2- 0 win over Melbourne City on Saturday took his A- League season tally to five goals from as many matches.

And while Kosmina was impressed by Taggart’s performance, he said the 25- yearold former A- League Golden Boot winner must maintain the rage to convince Socceroos coach Graham Arnold to pick him for the Asian Cup starting in January.

“That was the best he has played in quite a while, but he’s got to get consistency in his game,” said Kosmina, who urged Taggart to again produce the goods against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.

“He’s got to go to Adelaide, find the back of the net and rip defenders apart.”

Kosmina said Taggart, who hasn’t played for Australia since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, at his best would be a better option in the Socceroos squad than former Roar striker Jamie Maclaren.

Now with Scottish club Hibernian, Maclaren remains without a goal for the Socceroos after failing to score when given a starting opportunity in Australia’s 1- 1 draw with South Korea at Suncorp Stadium on November 17.

“He ( Taggart) can do a better job than Maclaren,” Kosmina said.

“He brings a more physical presence … but he’s got to get to the stage where defenders fear playing him.

“He has always seemed to play within himself and that needs to change.”