Melbourne City defender Alex Wilkinson is hopeful of getting selected for the Socceroos for their World Cup qualifiers at home against Tajikistan and Jordan.
Wilkinson, Aaron Mooy and Ivan Franjic were all clad in Socceroos gear at Bundoora this morning after Caltex was announced as the Socceroos’ new naming rights sponsor for the next four years.
The City star is competing for spots with the likes of Trent Sainsbury and Matthew Spiranovic, who were both influential in last year’s Asian Cup success.
Wilkinson himself played a pivotal role in the 2014 World Cup and is looking to have more influence before he ages. The 31-year-old arrived at Melbourne City in January after four years at K-League side Jeonbuk Motors and has since played all three games since his entrance at the club.
Despite being hopeful of selection, Wilkinson said club was his first priority but hoped performing well at City may turn Ange Postecoglou’s head.
“It’s not something I go into games thinking about too much. I’m more worried about my club form and just performing there,” Wilkinson said.
“If you do well that can lead to higher honours and getting selected, first and foremost it’s about training hard during the week, building up my fitness and come game day performing well for the team, if that’s good then hopefully I’ll get picked.
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“I’ve been down here in Melbourne for a few weeks, enjoying being back out on the pitch and playing with the boys.
“Hopefully I’m in the frame to get selected, there’s a few more weeks to go before the squad will be announced.
“I just have to concentrate on getting fitter and putting in some reasonable performances.”
With the growing amount of Socceroos plying their trade in the A-League, Wilkinson conceded coming back to Australia was a good opportunity to play well and get selected by Postecoglou.
“It’s always nice to know Ange is a big advocate of the A-League and is more than happy to pick players out of the local league if they’re doing well,” he said.
“I think players, first and foremost worry about their club careers, but yes I guess it’s played a little bit on my mind for my decision to come home.”
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