Sunday Mail (UK)

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The 23-year-old’s star is on the rise after being part of a Partick Thistle side that secured the Firhill outfit’s best top-flight finish in 36 years.

However, the midfielder is spending his summer in Maryhill rather than Moscow after impressive performanc­es at club level failed to earn a call from his country for the Confederat­ions Cup.

Now he’s looking to a clever piece of technology to help land a first cap in this autumn’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Socceroos face Chile tonight with a place in the Confederat­ions Cup semi-finals up for grabs after a 3-2 defeat to Joachim Low’s German stars and a 1-1 draw with Cameroon.

And Edwards said: “Obviously I was hoping to be involved and it was disappoint­ing to miss out. input how long the session was, how hard it was, what you did, how long you trained for and they monitor it all.

“So they know if you get picked for the national team 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’ as the app f lags up a World Cup qualifying double-header in March only to be one of seven who failed to make the final cut.

But the midfielder insists he doesn’t have to look too far for hope of a return, having seen former Ross County star Jackson Irvine and Celtic’s Tom Rogic impress on the internatio­nal stage.

Edwards, who has starred at Under-23 and Under-20 level, said: “It’s too hard to say whether I’ll get into the squad for the qualifiers.

“They have so many midfielder­s to choose from – it’s probably the strongest part of the squad.

“It’s just a matter of doing well for Thistle, staying on the radar and hopefully knocking on the door. The fact the likes of Jackson and Tom – British-based players – have done well for the national team definitely shows there is an opportunit­y for me.

“Jackson is the perfect example. He’s in a similar position to me and has had a similar kind of career. He has broken through to the national team and done really well, Rogic too.

“A few others on the fringes in midfield positions and have done well for their clubs in Europe and Australia.

“They’ve been in and out of the squads and I just want to keep playing well and getting into the 30- man groups. Hopefully I can then kick on and make the 23 for the national team.

“I don’t have any regular contact with the coach. He just speaks to the boys in the camp and the team manager is the person who communicat­es with everyone.

“I made the 30-man squad in March for the last two World Cup qualifiers so that proves I’m in their thoughts.”

Edwards was speaking as the Jags launched their new kit which is available from Friday June 30. absolutely flying. He’s such a great player.

“In fact, I would go as far as to say he’s probably Australia’s best player at the moment.

“He just scored against the world champions so he’s going to be amazing next season both in domestic competitio­n and for his country.

“I would definitely say he is my benchmark in terms of what an Aussie midfielder should be.

“He has shown in the Champions League, for the national team and week in, week out for Celtic he has the ability to consistent­ly perform at a really high level.

“Not only is he playing so well, he’s contributi­ng to a team where he is making assists and scoring. That’s something I want to do more of.”

 ??  ?? Rogic savours BEATER WORLD Germany big guns his goal against RAGING APP-ETITE Ryan, unveiling Thistle’s new away kit, is desperate to make Aussie senior squad WATCHI goes NG BRIEF up against Postecog Low in lou (right) Russia last week ROGIC stunning...
Rogic savours BEATER WORLD Germany big guns his goal against RAGING APP-ETITE Ryan, unveiling Thistle’s new away kit, is desperate to make Aussie senior squad WATCHI goes NG BRIEF up against Postecog Low in lou (right) Russia last week ROGIC stunning...

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