Socceroo Taggart eyes long road back
Aug 30, 2016 - 3:32 AM He's played on the biggest stage of all, but Socceroos striker Adam Taggart knows he needs to produce the goods back home in Perth to jump start his international career.Taggart burst onto the Socceroos scene in 2014, playing in matches against the Netherlands and Spain at the World Cup in Brazil.
His move to English Championship side Fulham on a three-year deal was meant to take Taggart's game to a new level.
Instead, a string of injuries brought his career to a grinding halt, with Taggart eventually making the tough decision to cut short his European adventure in order to return to the A-League.
Taggart linked up with his hometown club Perth Glory midway through last season.
But because he had already featured for Fulham and Scottish side Dundee United within the space of a year, FIFA rules barred Taggart from playing for Glory last season.
Although frustrated, Taggart used the time to repair his battered body and now says it's the best he's felt in two years.
But given his lack of match time over the past 18 months, 23-year-old Taggart was overlooked for selection for the Socceroos' upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and the UAE.
Taggart knows he needs to prove his worth in the A-League again before earning another Socceroos call-up, and he hopes to be back in the green and gold sometime soon.
"I think everyone wants to be a part of the Socceroos. To me, it means an awful lot," Taggart said.
"I'm here at Perth Glory and that's my main focus. If the rewards come, then great. If not, then I'm still focusing on the same things.
"It's all about week to week performances, trying to improve yourself every day and get better."
Taggart is no stranger to the A-League, having starred for the Newcastle Jets a few years go.
His finest season came in 2013/14, when he scored 16 goals to win the Golden Boot award.
Taggart also notched 10 games for Glory at the start of his career, but he moved to the Jets in 2012 for more playing opportunities.
Glory will start this season as title favourites following their impressive recruitment drive.
New faces Taggart, Rhys Williams, Joseph Mills, and Rostyn Griffiths join the likes of Diego Castro, Andy Keogh, Shane Lowry, Josh Risdon, and Rostyn Griffiths in a star-studded outfit.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Glory's Taggart out of Sydney FC clash Dec 27
- Glory ready to surprise Sky Blues in A-L Dec 27
- Torres among injury concerns for Glory Dec 21
- Glory A-League diamond to shine in Germany Dec 20
- Italiano catches eye of Bundesliga club Dec 16
- Glory won't risk Taggart yet in A-League Dec 14
- Injuries to test Glory's A-League depth Dec 12
- Glory's A-League injury woes hit a new low Dec 9
- Glory heartbreak as Jets snatch 2-1 win Dec 9
- Glory play down Andy Keogh AL injury fears Dec 8
- Walker relieved that Glory gave him a shot Dec 6
- Exam time now over for Glory teen prodigy Nov 29