Robertson a doubt but Miller a shout for Joeys’ World Cup mission

Australia have all but abandoned hopes of securing Manchester City prodigy Alexander Robertson for November’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil but could instead snare Rangers rookie Murray Miller.

Source: Press Association

Robertson, 16, played his first full 90 minutes in a year over the weekend, as City’s U-18s gained some redemption for last season’s FA Youth Cup final loss to Liverpool by beating the Reds 5-2 in the league.

It was the latest hit-out on the comeback trail for the gifted midfielder who in a massive show of faith was tied to the Premier League Champions on a four-year professional contract back in July.

Stymied by a series of injuries, dual nationality Robertson - who has already represented England at U-16 level - is looking to make up for lost time having previously been identified as a possible game-changer in Brazil where the Joeys face Ecuador, Hungary and Nigeria in the group stage.

However, it appears Joeys coach Trevor Morgan has resigned himself to Robertson committing his immediate international future to the Three Lions at youth level before possibly switching to the Australia at senior level as his career unfolds.

Robertson’s father Mark, a Manchester City scout, and grandfather Alex both played for Australia, and would love to see the youngster pull on the green and gold one day.

“When his body is right a decision on his international future will come sooner rather than later,” said Roberston senior.

“If you speak to the guys in Australia they say they think they’ve lost him but I don’t think you ever write a player off and walk away and say ‘we don’t have a chance’.

“I haven’t had much contact with the Australian setup of late but I imagine they’ll also be looking at how how much game time he gets in the coming weeks.

“That’s what I would do if I were them. Then they might look at a window of opportunity.

“It’s up to them what they do and ultimately it’s up to Alexander to decide what he does.”

While Scotland-born Robertson looks a huge doubt for Morgan, fellow midfielder Miller could be knocking on the door of the 21-man squad for Brazil.

The Australia-born 17-year-old, who recently signed a three-year deal at Ibrox, impressed in three Joeys cameos during a round-robin tournament involving hosts England, South Korea and Brazil at St George’s Park last week.

Miller played a total of 80 minutes after being invited into camp by Morgan from under the noses of the Scotland U-18 setup to spark a potential tussle for his international allegiance.

Though born in Australia, he arrived in Scotland from aged just three months and has been there ever since.

Meantime, Robertson - nominated as a star in the making by none other than Tim Cahill - will be looking to break into City’s UEFA Champions League plans at youth level, with the U-19’s facing the same opposition as the senior team on the same day.

Pep Guardiola’s side take on Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk in Group C.

“The next step for Alex is to become a regular 90-minute player,” said Mark Robertson.

“It’s a matter of managing the body in the right manner. After that the goal is to fulfill his potential.

“City’s U-18s are five points clear the top of the table. They’ve also got the FA Youth Cup, the League Cup and of course the Champions League. There’s a hell of a lot of football ahead of him.”

2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup – Joeys group stage schedule

Ecuador v Australia

Sunday 27th October

Estadio Olimpico, Goiania 

09:45 AEDT - 12:00 AEDT

LIVE on SBS and streamed live via The World Game website / app

Australia v Hungary

Wednesday 30th October 

Estadio Olimpico, Goiania

09:45 AEDT - 12:00 AEDT

LIVE on SBS and streamed live via The World Game website / app

Australia v Nigeria 

Saturday 2nd November 

Estadio Bezerrao, Brasilia 

06:45 AEDT - 09:00 AEDT

LIVE on SBS and streamed live via The World Game website / app