Josh Nisbet could not wipe the smile off his face as he fronted the media as a Socceroos player and while his late call-up is a “dream come true”, the A-Leagues star insisted he is not in the squad to make up the numbers.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who joins fellow Isuzu UTE A-League players Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory) and Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers) in the squad, has been rewarded for his fine form domestically.
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“It’s a dream come true. As an Australian, you always dream of playing for the Socceroos. I haven’t done that yet but to be potentially given that opportunity, I’m looking forward to it,” Nisbet told reporters on Monday.
“…I think a couple of nights ago I couldn’t really sleep. I was just laying in bed thinking about one day I wasn’t really playing and then the next day I’m in the Socceroos.”
Asked what he was looking to get out of his time with the Subway Socceroos, Nisbet replied: “It’s definitely to get minutes.
“I’ve come here to push my way into the squad. With the training sessions, hopefully I can do that. I understand I wasn’t the first picked but football is a funny game and if you impress, things change.
“I’m definitely here to enjoy myself and have fun, but first priority is to get as many minutes as I can.”
Nisbet has tallied a league-high seven assists to go with a pair of goals in the league, having helped the Mariners snap their decade-long wait for an Isuzu UTE A-League Championship last season.
He has also scored a pair of goals, while guiding Central Coast to the AFC Cup Inter Zonal Final.
“I’m just trying to play my game and enjoy the moment. If the recognition comes, and it has, I’ll be very grateful,” Nisbet said.
“I thought I was playing pretty well at club level and I was getting a bit of talk about it. But I wasn’t trying to focus on it too much because if it doesn’t happen, you see disappointment. There was definitely a slight thought I could be in and fortunately I am.”
“I feel like I’ve transitioned into a different position which is allowing me to show other parts of my game that haven’t been seen before. I’m just enjoying my football and I think that’s the most important thing,” he said.
Nisbet also spoke about the moment he learned of his Subway Socceroos call-up in Gosford.
“I sort of found out I wasn’t included in the initial squad and then the club got notified and they did a good job, presented it in front of everyone in the team. It was a very nice moment but I think the reaction of my teammates was a really nice feeling,” he recalled.
“The night before the announcement, I got informed I’d be a call-in player waiting if there are injuries or suspensions etc. The squad gets released and all my teammates are pretty disappointed,” Nisbet continued.
“Then within that time from the morning and the afternoon with the team meeting, the club got informed and Mark Jackson he congratulated me for the PFA Player of the Month and then dropped that I was getting a call-up.
“No one really reacted because everyone already knew I wasn’t called up and then he was like nah, we got a call this morning that you’re in.
“I was pretty stoked and didn’t say much and then I turned around and all my teammates were standing on their feet, clapping and cheering. Some of the players gave goosebumps.”
Nisbet also responded to speculation linking him with three-time reigning premiers Melbourne City.
A report last week claimed Nisbet – who is coming off contract – had agreed to swap Gosford for Melbourne in 2024-25.
But Nisbet said: “That’s not true. I’ve not signed anywhere.”
Pressed on whether he was staying with the Mariners, where he has been based since 2017, Nisbet replied: “I haven’t signed anywhere, so we haven’t gone through that stage yet but I’m open to anything.”
“I hope it’s all true whatever they say because some of it hasn’t been,” Nisbet said as he laughed. “It’s good my name is getting pushed out there and clubs are interested.”
Taggart hasn’t played for Australia since September 2022 but the star forward has earned a re-call thanks to his form in Perth and it comes down to his surroundings after years in Asia.
“When I’m happy off the field, I usually play my best football,” he told reporters.
“I think over the last four years in Asia, as great of a league and competitions they are, it’s difficult when you don’t have the support of family and friends. Living an Australian-type lifestyle, that’s always been something for me I appreciate and am grateful for.
“Just going back home, being around family and friends, and playing for a club I’m passionate about grew up supporting. Naturally I feel happier and naturally there’s less stress and you can just enjoy your football.
“It’s a week-to-week thing, and I look forward to gamedays, training sessions. Usually it puts you a good place throughout the season and I think that’s been the key for me. It’s been a more consistent season compared to others and that’s down to me enjoying myself.”
