Jeggo out to make an impact for Australia
abu dhabi — James Jeggo has vowed to make the most of his chance after receiving a late call-up to be part of Australia’s AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign.
Midfielder Jeggo, who plays his club football with Austria Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga, was a late inclusion in Australia’s 23-man squad for the Continental showpiece after Aaron Mooy pulled out with a knee injury, the AFC website reported.
His disappointment at having missed out turned to joy and Jeggo says he is determined to play a key role as Australia prepare to defend the title they won four years ago on home soil.
“You’re always disappointed when you’re not in the initial 23 but I knew that I was on standby and I knew that there was a chance that ‘Azza’ might not make it and that there was a good chance that I’d come in if that was the case,” he said.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be here now.” Jeggo, 26, believes he offers Arnold something a bit different, too, having developed his game as a defensive midfielder in Austria in recent years.
“A lot of the midfielders here are very good going forward, box-tobox players and my game has developed a bit differently,” he added.
Having made his national team debut in November when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Lebanon, Jeggo knows he has to fight hard to earn a place in the Australian lineup.
“It’s a long tournament and you need your squad and there may be games that you need different things and that’s where potentially I can be an option. It’s about me training well and putting my best foot forward to try and force my way in.”