After creating a stir with a series of impressive performances at the U/20 World Cup, Perth Glory attacker Jamie Maclaren is now looking to make a name for himself in the Hyundai A-League.
After creating a stir with a series of impressive performances at the U/20 World Cup, Perth Glory attacker Jamie Maclaren is now looking to make a name for himself in the Hyundai A-League.
The 20-year-old spent four seasons coming through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers before the Glory secured his prized signature after some inspiring displays for the Young Socceroos.
Maclaren is already making an impact in the Glory side having so far scored four goals in the pre-season and is likely to forge one of the most damaging attacks in the competition as he links up with perennial goal-scorer Shane Smeltz.
The young gun believes that his time in England will serve him well as he returns to play in Australia.
“My time at the Rovers definitely helped me progress as a player,” Maclaren said.
“I was the top scorer in both my seasons in the youth side and then I was playing regular football for the reserve team against some really strong players and I was very lucky to have had that opportunity.
“Now I have the opportunity to play in the A-League and play regular first team football at the top level which is really exciting.”
With a number of clubs looking to secure his services for the upcoming season there was one key clincher that saw Maclaren sign on the dotted line for the Glory.
“(Perth coach) Alistair Edwards was a big reason why I chose to head to Perth.
“I have known him through the youth Australian squads I have been a part of and he offered me the chance to play first team football.
“So far I believe the decision was the right one and hope this continues.”
With the season fast approaching Maclaren is fitting in well to his new surroundings.
“The senior guys at the club have been great in passing on advice that has helped me to come into the squad and fit in.
“The pre-season has been good so far having played in South Africa, then in Malaysia in front of thirty thousand fans, which was a great experience, and now against A-League clubs.
“I am playing number nine at the moment which is fine as I am pretty versatile along the front. I am happy to play anywhere where I can score goals.”
The Glory finished in sixth last season and will no doubt be looking for an improved performance in the ninth edition of the A-League.
“I really think that the club is set for a good season.
“We know the way Alistair wants us to play and we know our jobs within his system.
“We have shown in the pre-season that we have been able to score a lot and have played teams off the park.”
Although he is currently fully focused on performing for his new side the former Rover still has dreams of returning to Europe to play.
“Every player wants to play in Europe but I know I need to make a name for myself in the A-League first and score plenty of goals.”
“It would be ideal to go to Europe and be a first team player in the future like (Marco) Rojas and (Tom) Rogic have done.”
Maclaren graced headlines back home when he scored a cracker of a goal to give the Young Socceroos the lead in their group match against U/20 World Cup hosts Turkey earlier this year.
Having tasted international football he knows that it will be a tough journey to make the step up to the senior Socceroos side.
“Getting picked to play at the World Cup is every kids dream and the U/20s tournament is something that I will never forget.
“The goal I scored against Turkey was probably my best goal and one of the greatest moments of my career so far.
“Of course playing for the Socceroos is in the back of my head but I know I have to do well for the Glory and then that will take care of itself. I know there a lot of good strikers ahead of me though.”
Maclaren and the Glory kick off their A-League campaign against Adelaide United away on October 13.
