Recalled ’Roo desperate for ‘big tournament’

Brandon Borrello is desperate to make up for missed opportunities at international level after his latest recall to the Socceroos squad.

The Western Sydney Wanderers star hasn’t played for the Socceroos since November last year, with a foot injury soon after ending his hopes of being selected in Australia’s squad the Asian Cup in January.

It wasn’t the first time in the 29-year-old attacker’s career that injury has hurt of chances of not only representing his nation regularly but also playing in major tournaments for Australia.

“I've missed out on World Cups, an Asian Cup … I’ve been a part of all the qualifiers leading up to big tournaments, but I’ve not played in a big tournament yet,” Borrello said on Monday ahead of Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday night against Saudi Arabia at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

“That’s obviously a massive goal of mine to get there (the 2026 World Cup).

“You never know what’s going to happen, so every time you come into (Socceroos) camp, you have to put your best foot forward.

“I’ve been happy, buzzing to get into training, buzzing for games – I just want to keep on doing the things I’m doing.”

Borrello is one of seven A-League players chosen by Socceroos coach Tony Popovic in an extended 26-man squad for Thursday’s game and Wednesday week’s battle in Riffa against Bahrain.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, or where you’re playing, if you’re performing week in, week out, he (Popovic) will pick you,” Borrello said.

“I found a bit of form at the start of the season, and this is the reward of it.”

Borrello has never previously worked under Popovic – who most recently coached Melbourne Victory at club level – but has been told what to expect.

“I spoke to a few of his players from Melbourne Victory to make sure I do the right things and start off on the right foot. It’s all about respect,” he said.

“However he sees fit for me to play, if I was to play, I’m happy to do a job.

“We can’t take any game lightly at the moment. We just need to prepare as best as we can.

“It’s the pressure to qualify for the World Cup, and it’s a massive privilege.”

The Socceroos, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are all locked on five points, five adrift of Group C leaders Japan in the third round of the Asian Football Confederation’s World Cup qualifiers.

The top two nations from each of the three AFC third-round qualifying groups will guarantee themselves World Cup berths.