'It’s a joy to watch': Maclaren welcomes competition for Socceroos striking spots

Despite a handful Socceroos forwards firing throughout the world, Jamie Maclaren is refusing to worry about his own national team prospects.

The likes of Martin Boyle, Nikita Rukavystya and Adam Taggart have all been in rich goalscoring form in recent times - something the Melbourne City striker believes will strengthen the Socceroos immensely.  

Socceroos Browser Extension Thin Banner

Maclaren, who scored a memorable hat-trick during Australia's 2019 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Nepal, praised his compatriots on the ABC Grandstand Football Podcast. 

"I think it's a it's a joy to watch," he said. 

"I'm obviously with mates with all those guys. Nikita has done fantastic and Tags and Boyley are guys I've played with for a very long time, and have known for a long time. It's great to see because you want Aussie players doing well." 

READ: 'I was in tears for a couple of days': Jamie Maclaren opens up on Olyroos heartbreak
WATCH: Maclaren scores brace as City win Grand Final rematch

Maclaren has encountered no problems in front of goal himself, taking home the A-League Golden Boot last season. 

Despite City's relatively inconsistent start to 2020-21, he has registered five goals in seven matches - including a brace in Tuesday's Grand Final rematch.

"If I can just manage my goals and making sure that I'm keeping Melbourne City higher on the table than where we are now, then good things will happen with the Socceroos," Maclaren said. 

"I think as a player you want to have more competitive spots because it makes you hungrier to make sure you make it in the squads and it's only going to make us better."

The 27-year-old finds it "difficult to compare" his remarkable run to kick off last season alongside the challenges experienced in the new year. 

Either way, he is confident the goals will continue to flow as City's fortunes improve. 

"I think at this point last year I had more goals than games when I started the season, and obviously I had an abundance of confidence within the hat-trick for Socceroos and I had about 15 goals in 10 games," he said. 

Maclaren Melbourne City

"I feel like I've started quite well, yes I have missed chances but at the same time I always look back and say, well, if I'm not creating those chances then I'd be disappointed. So I'm in the right areas. I know that my quality speaks for itself I think in terms of what I believe and what I can do for this club. 

"I just need to make sure that I'm doing the right things and like I said we'll turn the corner, I'll turn the corner as well and once we do that we'll be a joy to watch for Melbourne City fans." 

Maclaren and City's next assignment arrives on Tuesday night, when they travel to face Western Sydney Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium. 

Visit page
This article was originally published on the Socceroos website.
Close