Meredith vows to grab chance if debut call comes

Uncapped left back James Meredith insists he will be ready to step up should incumbent Jason Davidson lose his fitness battle to face Kyrgyzstan in Canberra on Thursday night.

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Huddersfield Town’s Davidson has been carrying a slight calf strain and should coach Ange Postecoglou decide not to risk him for the must-win FIFA World Cup qualifier at GIO Stadium, then the late-blooming Bradford City man is in line for his Australia debut at the age of 27.

Meredith, who is playing his part as the Bantams make a surge towards the English League One play-offs, did enough in his maiden camp for the 2-0 loss in Jordan to justify another call

His attacking intent, pace and all round awareness down the left side are likely assets for Australia should Postecoglou opt to blood him.

“The fact I got a second call shows the manager must think I can bring something,” Meredith said. “He must have taken note of how I am as a player and person and I just want to do my best to repay that.

“If the chance does come, I think I can do a job for the team and would thrive off the opportunity. It would be a massive thing for me and a dream come true.”

Meredith has used his brush with the Socceroos as a tool to enhance his own game back in England.

“The way that Ange trains and players is all about flowing passes and good movement, making angles and working hard to get on the ball," he said.

“It's high tempo football, and it’s made me work even harder on my movement, the sharpness of my passing and getting more involved,

“It’s difficult translating that for your club because the levels are so different, but I am definitely improving aspects of my game, for sure.”

Meredith was a frustrated spectator as Australia stuttered and sputtered in Amman last month, failing to live up to their billing as Asian champions before coming unstuck in front of a rapturous home crowd.

But he believes the scars of that defeat will be quickly erased against a Kyrgyzstan side which showed plenty of fight, and no little menace, when they ran Australia close before going down 2-1 in the Group B opener in Bishkek back in June.

“We’re looking to quickly make amends for that loss in Jordan," Meredith said.

"I thought the team played quite well and were the dominant team but just didn't have that little but extra to push things over the line.

“We need the points to close the gap on Jordan (who lead the group by four points having played a game more), and every game is a must win now.

“The team will be fully prepared and will have the right mind-set to get the job done. We have three home games from our last four now, and have to make them all count.”

With five wins and two draws from their last seven games, Bradford have got their season back on track and Meredith is eyeing a shot at the Championship through the play-offs.

“That’s what we should be aiming for as minimum target,” he said.

“We have a few new players, have gelled as team and we have a good work ethic and the quality which should see us continue to climb the table.

“We also have a ruthless grit about us, and can win those tight games and keep clean sheets. We can battle as well as play football."