Former Qantas Socceroos stalwart Jason Culina is eyeing a return to the national side as he prepares to make his long-awaited comeback for new club Sydney FC.
Former Qantas Socceroos stalwart Jason Culina is eyeing a return to the national side as he prepares to make his long-awaited comeback for new club Sydney FC.
The 32-year-old, who has spent almost two years on the sidelines with a career-threatening knee injury, will make his return off the bench against Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
While the immediate aim is getting through Friday night unscathed, the veteran midfielder is still daring to dream of a return to the international arena.
“Do I want to play for the Qantas Socceroos again? I’d love to,” Culina said after completing Thursday’s training session with the Sky Blues.
“I’ve played 58 times for the Qantas Socceroos and enjoyed two great World Cups.
“I was almost seven years on the national team and had awesome times and really enjoyed myself.
“It does come back to club level and I’ve got to do the job there first before I can consider playing for the national team again.”
Culina injured his knee playing for the now defunct Gold Coast United at the end of the 2010/11 campaign and broke down for a second time after signing with the Newcastle Jets last season.
He said his nightmare injury run has only strengthened his resolve to compete at the highest level.
“I’m a strong character to come back from something like this,” Culina said.
“I don’t give up too easily. If people think Jason Culina gives up or is not motivated then they’re wrong.
“I believe in myself and that’s made me a stronger person over the last two years.”
The Sky Blues will be hoping Culina’s return can spark a change of fortunes after three consecutive losses.
“We’ve got two home games coming up and we can turn things around very easily, with a win this weekend and back it up with another one,” caretaker coach Steve Corica said.
“But first of all Adelaide is the most important challenge and it’s going to be a big challenge.
“They’re top of the table and we’re struggling a little bit at the moment.
“That’s the challenge that’s set out for the boys – to beat the team at the top.”
