Midfielder James Jeggo believes a fresh start under coach Graham Arnold could be the opening he needs to debut for the Socceroos.
The 26-year-old has been a member of multiple Socceroos squads since 2016 without getting any game time, and was overlooked by Bert van Marwijk for this year’s World Cup.
The arrival of Arnold has put Jeggo back into the national frame and the former Adelaide United player is desperate to prove himself if given the chance in the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Lebanon.
Those games represent the final chance for players to show their worth ahead of January’s Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Jeggo is pushing for a berth in an area of the pitch where Australia is blessed with talent.
Other central midfielders in the squad include established performers Massimo Luongo and Aaron Mooy as well as in-form Mustafa Amini.
“Ever since I’ve been in the frame there’s always been a lot of depth in the middle of the park,” Jeggo said.
“With the boss now everyone senses that there’s a chance to push themselves into the frame and to try and break into that team.
“As a player you have to be hungry to try and make an impact, to do well and that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
After helping Adelaide to the 2015-16 A-League title, Jeggo headed to Austria — the land of his birth.
Earlier this year he helped Sturm Graz win the Austrian Cup before securing a move to Austria Vienna.
Jeggo says his time in Europe has only helped him become a better player.
“It’s been massive for me,” he said.
“The aim to move from the A-League to Europe is to take you out of your comfort zone and to take your game to the next level … it’s been really good for me, I’ve absolutely loved my time over there.”