In-form striker Alex Brosque says he hasn’t given up hope of earning a recall to the Caltex Socceroos but is content to concentrate on his club performances at league leaders Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues skipper has been in vintage form since returning from injury this season, with his side six points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League table and set to contest next week’s Westfield FFA Cup Final against Melbourne City.
The 33-year-old hasn’t played for the Socceroos since 2013, when the side drew 2-2 at home against Oman in World Cup qualifying for Brazil 2014.
Hyundai A-League stars pressing for WCQ selection
Fast forward three and a half years and it’s that same scoreline against Thailand that has some local commentators spruiking a return for the experienced left footer.
“[I’ve] not given up on [Socceroos selection]. I guess it’s something that you never do,” Brosque told Fox Sports at Sydney FC training on Wednesday.
“It’s nothing that I’m thinking about at the moment. For me it’s great to be playing again, great to be in some great form.
“I’m completely focusing on our boys, on the team here and if anything comes of that great but if not I’m more than happy to play week to week.”
Brosque has four goals from seven Hyundai A-League appearances so far this season, solidifying his spot in a side that only dropped their first points of the campaign last weekend with a 1-1 draw in Brisbane.
Despite the praise, the former Shimizu S-Pulse, Al Ain and Roar favourite preferred to talk up the contribution of some of his younger teammates at Moore Park.
“I think for a lot of boys, guys like Rhyan Grant is playing fantastic, Josh Brillante, [Brandon] O’Neill,” said Brosque.
“There’s so many boys putting their hands up and that comes when you’re top of the league and playing well.
“So hopefully a few of those boys get themselves in the mix.”
The Socceroos will finish the year in third spot in Group B on their road to Russia 2018, one point behind leaders Saudi Arabia and Japan and level with the UAE.
Australia’s next two qualifiers against Iraq and UAE in March next year loom as critical, with Brosque throwing his support behind coach Ange Postecoglou despite never being picked in one of his squads.
“Ever since Ange came in he’s had his vision and it’s been great. It’s worked well,” said Brosque.
“He’s brought in a lot of young boys that are real mainstays in the team now. They’re doing well.
“We’re at a critical point in qualification but I’m sure they get the result next game and everything will be fine.”
