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Australia forward Jason Cummings has a “real chance” of making the Australia 2022 World Cup squad, according to his club manager Nick Montgomery.
Cummings has been named in the Australia provisional 2022 World Cup squad.
As reported by the Daily Record, Central Coast Mariners boss Montgomery believes the ex-Hibs and Nottingham Forest player could make the final cut.
Cummings is currently playing for the A-League side, and is enjoying a strong start to the new season. The striker has two goals and two assists in his first two matches. It follows from his 16 goals last time out, scored for both Dundee and Central Coast Mariners.
Such form saw the forward handed an Australia call-up from boss Graham Arnold for the nation’s friendly meetings with New Zealand in September.
Cummings paid back the faith with a debut goal, scoring from the spot in a 2-0 win.
Striker has “real chance” of making Australia squad
Cummings’ current club boss Montgomery says there is every possibility of an Australia World Cup call-up for his striker.
“Jason scored on his debut for Australia and has certainly put his hand up for a World Cup place,” said Montgomery. “The way he is playing I think he has a real chance of making the Australia squad.
“The coach, Graham Arnold, is watching all the A-League games just now and will finalise his squad later this month. I have had a couple of conversations with Graham. He is a big fan of Jason and likes his character.
“He also brings something different to what he has because Jason is very creative and has a magical left foot and more often than not the ball ends up in the back of the net.
“Jason has a lot of support from most of the Australian fans. He is a popular player and character and it seems that everybody wants him to be at the World Cup.
“He scored a good few goals last season and has taken that form into the new season.”
Australia forward compared to Man City star Jack Grealish
Cummings struggled for consistency at a handful of clubs in the UK prior to his move to Australia in January of this year. He had loan spells at Rangers, Peterborough and Luton during his time at Nottingham Forest. The attacker also spent a period at Shrewsbury.
But Central Coast Mariners manager Montgomery believes Cummings has now matured, and is glad he took the risk of bringing the striker to Australia.
“When I was looking to sign him a lot of people advised me not to,” said Montgomery. “People said it could be a bad mistake, but when I spoke to people I know and trust in Scotland, including my good friend Grant Smith, he told me Jason was a top player and a really good guy who was maybe a little bit misunderstood. Since he has come out to Australia that has been the case.
“Jason has admitted he has made some poor life choices when he was younger. Most players have – you only have to look at Jack Grealish.
“Jack, like Jason, has worked hard and everybody is now talking about his football.”
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