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Keanu Baccus was a Western Sydney Wanderers mainstay during his six-year stint with the first team. However, it was his move to the Scottish Premiership that brought him the attention of Graham Arnold.
As many as six members of the World Cup squad ply their trade in top-flight Scottish football. Baccus has impressed at the unfashionable St Mirren, while compatriots enjoy life with Celtic, Dundee and Hearts.
The defensive midfielder shares that life at the CommBank Stadium was comfortable for him and he needed an extra push to get into the Socceroos contention. St Mirren knocked on his door and he took the punt in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Bookmakers had earmarked the Saints for relegation at the start of the 2022/23 Premiership campaign. They have punched above their weight and command a mid-table position ahead of the World Cup break.
Scotland move helped earn World Cup ticket
The 24-year-old has found life easy in Scotland, earning praise from pundits for his impact at St Mirren Park. His all-action performances in the middle of the pitch have been the highlight for the bottom feeders.
Australia head coach, Graham Arnold, took note of Baccus’ performances and he was handed his debut for the Socceroos in September. While experienced stars like Tomy Rogic did not make the final cut, the Sydney native earned his ticket.
Baccus was pleased with making the roster, which was his ‘ultimate goal’ in moving to Europe. He believes making the world cup squad would not have been possible had he stayed comfortable in A-League and the new challenge in Scotland has allowed him this possibility.
“I came over here with the Socceroos in mind as the ultimate goal but also to enjoy it and really to push myself,” Baccus told FTBL. “Was I surprised by the call-up? Yes and no.
“If you’d asked me a year ago I’d have said for sure but with the form, the club have been in, and the part I’ve been able to play, it’s a reward for all the hard work.
“I always had faith I could get there one day. It was always important to take that next step and show people what I can do.
“If I’d stayed with Wanderers it probably wouldn’t have happened. I don’t think I was testing myself there … so how could you push for a Socceroos spot? I was in a comfort zone and needed to make the move while I was still young enough.”
Durban-born Keanu Baccus (24) has been named in Australia's 2022 Fifa World Cup squad.
The St Mirren midfielder moved to Australia as a child with his parents and his recent rise which has seen him become an instant hit in the Scottish Premier League has earned him recognition👏 pic.twitter.com/IGaT3r12BL
— Ntwana Ya Oumama (@Shamplan_) November 8, 2022
Arnold made clear of what is expected
Australia enter the competition on the back of five successive victories, coinciding with the time Baccus earned his debut. Australia has a tough task on their hands as they manoeuvre the challenge of France, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
Baccus’ dynamic performances will be required in Qatar as the Socceroos go into these fixtures as underdogs. The coaching staff have been clear about what they expect from the Saints’ holding midfielder and he is ready to deliver when asked upon.
“I’ll bring everything I’ve been doing and more,” Baccus replied. “I’ll bring my energy, a lot of legs and a strong mentality. I can’t wait for the experience. The coaching staff talked a lot about the energy I can bring when they called me about selection, and they said to just keep believing in myself and to build on what I’ve already achieved.
“It’s helped a lot that the team is going well, I’ve been able to feed off that. As a young kid I always wanted to play for my country and play at the highest level.”
Keanu Baccus, the only South African-born player heading to the World Cup in Qatar this year. pic.twitter.com/5dIid8ioAR
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) November 16, 2022
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