Talismanic Taggart backing himself to be Australia’s new sharp-shooter

Flourishing frontman Adam Taggart is convinced he can duplicate his spectacular club form for his country when Australia begin their marathon FIFA World Cup qualification quest in Kuwait next month.

Adam Taggart celebrates a goal for Suwon Bluewings Source: Getty Images

On course for the K1 League Golden Boot in his debut season in the competition with Suwon Bluewings, Taggart has been tagged as a Socceroos’ penalty box panacea.

Though reticent bask in self-glorification, Taggart - who has netted 16 goals in 24 appearances for Suwon - is happy to shoulder the responsibility of providing the predatory finishing which has eluded Australia since the departure of icon Tim Cahill.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s unveiling of Australia’s squad for the September 11 clash in Kuwait, Taggart said: “I back myself as a player and I’m confident in my own ability if I get the call up."

“As a striker you’re judged on goals but for me it’s also all about overall performances and if I concentrate on that the goals seem to come naturally.

“Right now mentally I’m in a great head space.

“I want to be a part of the team, I’ve got so many mates there and being involved is something which is always there in my mind, especially after such a long lay off.”

That lay off stretched all the way back to the 2014 World Cup, prior to his recall for June’s 1-0 friendly loss to Korea Republic in Busan.

The feel-good story of any Australian in any league across the world since his February switch from Brisbane Roar to Suwon, the talismanic Taggart, 26, is happy to see football’s pendulum swing in his favour as he hunts a 10th cap for his country.

“Timing hasn’t been on my side for the majority of my career,” admitted Taggart who has suffered his fair share of injury setbacks and frustrations.

“But it seems to be on my side now - and I just need to concentrate on staying consistent, fit and healthy now.

“I’ve worked pretty hard and I’m enjoying my football and things are falling into place and starting to pay off for me at the moment.

“I’ve got some really good players around me at my club and they’ve made a lot of things easier for me.

“It’s a nice feeling going into games knowing I’ll get some good chances.

“It’s been a learning curve coming up here and is helping me grow as a player.”

With Australia paired alongside nemesis nation Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal and Chinese Taipei in Group B, qualification looks regulation for Graham Arnold’s men.

However, Taggart - which has scored three goals for his country thus far - knows Australia will facing teams intent on frustrating them.

“On paper it will look straight forward for us but these groups are rarely easy and being a bigger nation the onus will be on us to break teams down,” said Taggart.

“They will tend to sit deep and you have to find answers to that.”

“We have the quality and while there will always be challenges along the way we have to step up and show people why we’re a well-respected nation.”