Exciting winger Jai Ingham is hoping to take his Hyundai A-League form into the international arena alongside Melbourne Victory teammate Marco Rojas.
It’s been an extraordinary rise for Ingham, who’s gone from FFA Cup star, to the Hyundai A-League and now international football in under two years.Â
The Melbourne Victory attacker has played the last five games for second-placed Victory, including starting roles in matches against Central Coast Mariners, Adelaide United and Sydney FC.
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However, he’ll miss Saturday’s meeting with Brisbane Roar due to a call-up to the New Zealand national side for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Roy Krishna’s Fiji.
“I feel really good. I’m in good shape,” said Ingham after his first day in camp with the All Whites.
“I’m coming off the back of some good performances for Melbourne Victory.”
Ingham is one of a quartet of Victory players who will miss Saturday’s key clash at Suncorp Stadium.
James Troisi is part of the Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE, Golden Boot leader Besart Berisha will represent Kosovo for the first time in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland and fellow attacker Marco Rojas is with Ingham in the New Zealand side.
And Ingham – who is also eligible to play for Australia and Samoa – revealed Rojas has been a key factor in enticing him into the All Whites fold.
“Every time he comes back from a camp it’s always positive,” said Ingham.
“Marco says all the boys are brilliant; they’re all very welcoming and I’ll fit right in.
“I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.”
Another very familiar face in the squad will be Jai’s younger brother Dane, who took part in a recent Young Socceroos camp before also electing to represent New Zealand.
“It’s huge, not just for me and him but for our whole family.”
“It’s amazing to get the call-up with him and hopefully we can both get on the field at the same time and show what we’re made of.”
