How Scottish Premier League became an Aussie football factory, with Qatar stars dubbed ‘Jockeroos’
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How the Scottish Premier League became an Australian football factory: So many Graham Arnold World Cup stars have plaid ties they’re known as the ‘Jockeroos’
The Australian taste in the Scottish Premier League seems to be growing by the day – and the spill-over effect will hopefully propel the Socceroos to World Cup glory in Qatar.
Ange Postecoglou’s instant success in charge of Celtic, winning the title in his first season with the Hoops, has made him a household name alongside the reborn Aaron Mooy.
Socceroos legend Harry Kewell is also part of Postecoglou’s coaching staff.
At rivals Hearts, players like Cam Devlin, Nathaniel Atkinson and Kye Rowles quickly build an impressive reputation.
Add in St Mirren midfielder Keanu Baccus – and defender Aziz Behich with Dundee United – and you can see how the SPL has been ‘invaded’ by some determined footballers from down under.
Jason Cummings was born in Edinburgh but will be proud to represent the Socceroos at the World Cup
Aberdeen raised Martin Boyle played youth football for Scotland – but will also wear the green and gold in Qatar
Some have even playfully dubbed Graham Arnold’s men in the Middle East “Jockeroos.”
“It’s a great competition. A lot of Aussie guys from the A-League are going there which is good for us as a national team and for us moving forward,” former Western Sydney Wanderers star Baccus told reporters in Qatar.
“It’s a good step up from the A-League and physically I think it gets your body more ready for men’s football than we’re used to with more games and more demands on the body and schedule.”
A quick look at Graham Arnold’s 26-man squad in Qatar sees a squad littered with players of Scottish descent.
Martin Boyle, Jason Cummings and Harry Souttar have all had plaid ties from birth, but have pledged their allegiance to Australia.
It has proven to be a wise decision as the trio do everything they can to take part in the world’s biggest sporting event.
Towering centre-back Harry Souttar qualifies to play for the Socceroos as his mother is Australian
Keanu Baccus’ form with St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League was a big reason why he was picked by Graham Arnold to represent Australia at the World Cup
Cummings has become a cult hero with the Central Coast, looming as a convenient bench option for Arnold alongside club teammate Garang Kuol.
Both are fearless with an eye for goal – and while Cummings is a clear larrikin, he means business when it comes to football.
“The game always comes first,” he told Daily Mail Australia at the start of the A-League season. ‘I like to laugh, but football is my thing.
“The Mariners gave me a chance and now it’s up to me to make a name for myself in Australia – and hopefully at the World Cup with the Socceroos.”
Cummings’ words turned out to be prophetic – and now he’s ready to show the world what he’s made of.
Australia kicks off their World Cup campaign against heavyweights France on November 23 at 6am (AEDT), with further matches against Tunisia (November 26, 9pm) and Denmark (December 1, 2am).