Edwards knows all-seeing Aussies have him on their radar
WITH every training-ground move he makes, Ryan Edwards knows Big Brother is watching from the other side of the world.
The Partick Thistle midfielder has subscribed to a computer app provided by the Australian FA, which is designed to monitor his fitness and condition in advance of any future international call-up.
Capped up to Under-23 level for the Socceroos, Edwards is happy to try anything that might enhance his chances of a senior cap.
Despite being named in a 30-man squad by national coach Ange Postecoglou back in March, Edwards missed the cut for the ongoing Confederations Cup but remains determined to make the big jump.
‘I was hoping to be involved and had a strong finish to the season with Thistle, so it was disappointing to miss out,’ he said.
‘I’ve been watching the games and they’re keeping tabs on me, too.
‘We have a little app which monitors our training schedules and workloads. They’re plugged into everything I’m doing here. It looks at how many hours you’ve stepped, muscle soreness, things like that. Afterwards you input how long each session was, how hard it was, what did you do, how long you trained for and they literally monitor it all.
‘So they know if you get picked for the camp you’re physically and mentally ready. Or if you’re doing too much at your club they can step in and say “you need to calm down” or it could trigger a thing where you might get injured. ‘It’s quite new. Australians are good with their sports science and all the boys I’ve spoken to say the manager watches and takes everything into consideration. ‘The next focus now is to start the season here off well and try to get into the September squad.’ Edwards was a key figure in helping Alan Archibald’s team make the top six in last season’s Premiership but was outshone by a compatriot as the campaign reached its dramatic conclusion at Hampden last month.
Tom Rogic’s winning goal sealed a Treble for Celtic and underlined his status as a star in his homeland and a role model for the Thistle man.
‘Tom’s flying at the moment,’ said Edwards of the 24-year-old. ‘He’s such a good player — in fact, he’s probably Australia’s best player at the moment. And he just scored against Germany a few days ago, so he’s going to be amazing next season.
‘When he’s been in the team, he has made the whole environment and the way they play miles better, so if they keep him fit, he’s going to be really good.
‘He is my benchmark. He has shown in the Champions League and for the national team that he’s performing at a really high level.’