Adelaide United midfielder Paul Reid believes the Hyundai A-League may attract more overseas-based Australian players after his selection in the Socceroos squad.
Reid said one of the main reasons he returned home was to increase his chances of being selected in a national side. And in the space of two months he’s made massive progress towards that goal.
The 29-year-old said his story might inspire others looking for higher honours.
“I’m sure the older Australian players, I’m not that old I’m only 29, if they come back and show their worth in the A-League this can only be good for them to look at,” he said.
“Initially I don’t think many were coming back, probably because they didn’t know how well it would go, but I know for a fact that the standard has improved dramatically.
“I guess if my situation helps that then I’m more than happy.”
Despite his national aspirations, Reid admitted it was as ‘pleasant’ surprise to be named in the 35-man squad, chosen in preparation for the Socceroos’ game against Qatar on October 15.
But he did admit he was more confident of selection in the Hyundai A-League after struggling for recognition overseas.
“I was plugging away in the lower divisions in England and in the space of two years in the championship with Brighton I was their most consistent player,” he recalled.
“To not even get a sniff it dawned on me ‘Why not come back to the (Hyundai) A-League, play in front of Australian people and try and prove my worth and I’m just glad I’ve been recognised.'”
“It’s definitely a long way to go but it’s definitely a big stepping stone for me.”
Scott Jamieson is another Adelaide player that struggled to make his mark in England but has impressed in the Hyundai A-League this season.
But unlike Reid, the former Bolton Wanderers player returned to his home country with different priorities.
“I came back to Australia to play football and be successful with the team so I mean Socceroos were never in my mind but I’m very rapt and very pleased,” the 19-year-old said.
“It’s definitely a shock but it’s also a credit to the Adelaide United Football Club. It’s also a credit to our team-mates because I’m pretty sure if we hadn’t gone well in the Champions League and be successful in the Hyundai A-League we might not be there.”
“If I get put in the camp I’ll obviously soak everything up but first and foremost we have to concentrate on Friday night.”
The Reds’ in-form goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic and AFC Champions League quarter-final hero Robbie Cornthwaite were also selected giving their club the strongest representation in the squad.
Coach Aurelio Vidmar said he was ‘surprised’ Reds skipper Travis Dodd missed out but added it was a ‘fantastic achievement’ to have four players in line for national selection.
“I think the last time so many players from one club were selected for the national team were in the old Adelaide City days so it’s a tremendous effort,” Vidmar said.
He said United’s success in the AFC Champions League may have also helped the cause.
“Certainly when you play at a much higher level, it’s closer to the international standard required, so they performed quite well in those games.”
