Hot striker closer to scoring Cup spot
BUT CLUB FORM IS MACLAREN’S FOCUS
THE race to earn a coveted spot in the Socceroos’ World Cup squad is heating up, but Melbourne City striker Jamie Maclaren is only focusing on what he can control as he battles for a spot on the plane next month.
Maclaren has been one of Graham Arnold’s most trusted strikers through Australia’s qualification campaign, scoring seven goals in their run to Qatar.
The reigning A-league Men’s Golden Boot winner has scored three goals from his opening two games, taking red-hot form into this Saturday’s blockbuster derby against Melbourne Victory.
When asked if he’s confident of securing a place in the 26-man squad, Maclaren said his focus was continuing his solid start to the season, which he hoped would get him over the line.
“It’s a difficult one to answer,” Maclaren said. “You’ve got to keep your form and make sure you’re playing well, your body’s healthy, which I am, and your confidence is high, which it is. At the same time, there’s a lot of boys putting their hands up in all positions and all I can control is my performances for Melbourne City, but it’s been a long journey.
“Four years of qualifying, you did the quarantines. I sat in a hotel when my team was playing in a grand final. So all those things they add up and we‘ve now got to the final point. All I can do is control and be in the box for the chances that come my way.”
Maclaren is all too familiar with the pressures of pushing for a place at the World Cup, earning a last-minute call-up for the 2018 Cup under former coach Bert van Marwijk.
The 29-year-old, however, didn’t feature in any of Australia’s three group games, but this time around Maclaren feels more “valued”, having been used more consistently under Arnold.
“I’ve said previously I’ve felt more valued in this Socceroos environment under Graham Arnold because he’s given me those chances,” he said. “Not every game I’m going to start, I understand that, but when I do play, I need to make an impact.
“I’m really just looking forward to the next few games and whenever the squad’s announced, just hopefully my name’s there.“
Maclaren‘s opposite number in the derby and former club teammate, Nick D’agostino is also in the mix, having been part of the Socceroos’ squad that secured passage to Qatar in June.
“Of course, I always put my case forward,” D’agostino said.
“I love a challenge like I’ve said many, many times over the years and I just look forward to it and I embrace it.
“Obviously, it’s not long to go, so I just have to perform well and score goals.”