Robertson Returns, Aiming for World Cup Spot

0:00It's March 24th. This is Adelaide News Today, local news powered by AI. Sakaru's midfielder, Alex Robertson, is back in the national squad and eyeing more game time in the upcoming matches against Cameroon and Sydney on Friday and Kurosau and Melbourne on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Cardiff City player debuted for Australia two years ago with two friendly caps and has now cleared up any lingering doubts about his future with the team. Last year brought some uncertainty when coach Tony Popovic raised questions about Robertson's eligibility over a paperwork's nag, suggesting he was unavailable. That issue got sorted out, leading to his recall late in the year after a two-year break from the Sakaru's. Raised in Sydney after being born in Scotland, Robertson represented England at youth levels but always felt Australian thanks to family ties through. His father and grandfather. He brushed off rumors of switching to England, Peru or Scotland as just media chatter.

1:03These home games offer Robertson a big shot to impress Popovic and push for a World Cup spot, something he's dreamed of since childhood. Meanwhile, Captain Matt Ryan, the 33-year-old goalkeeper at struggling La Liga side, Lavante, welcomes the competition from Paul Izzo and Patrick Beach as they gear up together. Minus driving on and off the field, embracing fatherhood with his six-month-old son Preston, which he says adds perspective. With the World Cup on the horizon in the United States, Canada and Mexico, both players are focused on earning their places in these final tune-ups.