David Williams is hoping his move to Melbourne Heart will act as the catalyst for a Socceroos recall.
The 23-year-old, capped twice during Pim Verbeek’s reign, says the rise of Matt McKay and Robbie Kruse is evidence that the Hyundai A-League can provide a springboard into the national team.
“Playing for the Socceroos is definitely still a major ambition for me that never leaves my head, I had a taste of it and still want more,” Williams said.
“Sometimes the overseas players have to put their clubs first and that leaves options for A-League players to come in when games are here in Australia.”
“I think Matty’s done excellent to grab his chance and hang onto a spot even mixing it with players that are playing overseas.”
“There’s no reason why any other A-League player can’t, if you’re performing well there’s no reason why the coach can’t pick you and then it’s just a matter of taking your opportunities.”
It is that belief in the league which saw Williams spurn overseas offers to link up with the Heart.
“Europe is somewhere I aspire to get back to, but I’m not going to think about that until I do well in the A-League,” Williams said.
Williams believes time is on his side, pointing to Kruse as a prime example that goals in Australia will attract attention from European clubs.
“I’m only 23 and it’s never too late to go overseas,” Williams said.
“You never know, if you have a good enough season, then you can go places, just look at Robbie Kruse, he’s gone over (to Fortuna Dusseldorf) and he’s the same age as me.”
Williams knows his move south will add another chapter to a journey that has seen the Queensland flyer enjoy stints at Brisbane Roar, Danish club Brondby, the now defunct North Queensland Fury and Sydney FC.
The Fury situation left an indelible mark on Williams, who held the games record at the Townsville-based club with 49 appearances.
“It was an unfortunate situation and unfortunate for some of the players who now don’t have contracts,” Williams said.
“They went from being professional and earning a regular income to absolutely nothing now, I keep in touch with some of them and it’s sad to hear they are not playing anymore.”
“I’ll never forget the Fury as a club and my time up there, but it’s in the past now and I’ve got to focus on Melbourne Heart.”
Williams adds to a raft of attacking riches at coach John van ‘t Schip’s disposal and will vie for a starting berth alongside fellow new buys Maycon, Mate Dugandzic and Fred, not to mention incumbents Alex Terra and Rutger Worm.
