Cummings expecting snub from World Cup

Jason Cummings is convinced he could spark new life into Australia’s World Cup bid – but is steeling himself for an international snub.

The former Hibernian and Rangers striker has made a huge impact Down Under since leaving Dundee in January for Central Coast Mariners and has been named in the A-League All Stars squad to face Barcelona tomorrow.

The 26-year-old has netted eight times in his last 10 league games for the Mariners to spark calls for a Socceroos call-up.

Cummings has played in two friendlies for Scotland but pledged his readiness to swap allegiances thanks to his Australian mum.

But he has revealed that Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has not been in touch ahead of this week’s anticipated squad announcement for the World Cup playoffs against the United Arab Emirates and, if they win that, Peru.

Cummings said: “I’ve not spoken to him (Arnold) at all.

“If it happens I’d be buzzing obviously. I’ve given my everything for the Mariners ever since I came over here so if it comes along I’d be over the moon.

“I feel like I have embraced the competition and I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club. The last 10 games or so I think I had eight goals or something.

“I’m a striker who is always going to score goals, I’ve done that my whole career and hopefully I could add some goals for them.

“At the end of the day, it’s not me who picks the team.”

Cummings joined Dundee in January 2021 and played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premiership, but fell out of favour earlier this season, scoring only three league goals.