Craig Goodwin is clear proof that the Hyundai A-League provides a platform to earn a Caltex Socceroos call-up, insists Head Coach Graham Arnold.
Five years on from his last international appearance, Goodwin is back in the frame under Arnold, included as one of four train-on players for the meeting with Korea Republic on November 17, where he'll have the chance to earn a full call-up for the squad to face Lebanon three days later.
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It represents a reward for a stunning run of form since returning to Adelaide United, scoring in every round of their FFA Cup triumph, including a stunning brace in the Final, along with three goals in an many Hyundai A-League appearances.
Speaking in his squad announcement press conference, Arnold said: "Craig is a great example of work hard. Perform well, play well in the A-League and you’ll get recognised and rewarded.
"He’s had a great start to the season. He’s come back with a great mentality, right throughout the FFA Cup he was very, very good.
"So the message is clear I think for all the A-League players.
"I’ve been been out and watched a lot of the A-League games since I’ve been back and I think the standard has been fantastic.
"I really believe that all the clubs have recruited really well. We’ve got some top players and they’re performing great.
"They will be watched and watched carefully."
Arnold has included five Hyundai A-League players in his November training camp in total, with regular Josh Risdon making the squad to face Korea Republic, while Thomas Deng of Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC's Rhyan Grant, Dimitri Petratos of Newcastle Jets and Goodwin are in contention to make the revised squad to face Lebanon on November 20.
"Those four players have been rewarded for their great form in the A-League," Arnold added.
"With the loss of Daniel Arzani, it gives Dimitri Petratos and Craig Goodwin the opportunity to show not only myself but the staff what they can do.
"Right full-back is obviously an area we feel we need to strengthen, with just Josh Risdon as a specialist, and adding Rhyan Grant and Thomas Deng, who did well for us in Kuwait, we can look at those players as well."
