Welcome to A-Leagues life, where KEEPUP brings you all the latest news and goings on at your club. This is how the week is shaping up across the A-Leagues and beyond.
Kye Rowles, Cam Devlin, Nathaniel Atkinson, Keanu Baccus, Mark Birighitti, Lewis Miller and Philipp Cancar have all been lured to Scotland from the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Throw in former Central Coast Mariners sensation Garang Kuol at Hearts via Premier League giants Newcastle United on loan, and even Brisbane Roar’s former Japanese forward Riki Danzaki at Motherwell last week.
The Scottish Premiership is the place to be for promising young Australians – Aaron Mooy (Celtic), Ryan Strain (St Mirren), Aziz Behich (Dundee United), Ryan McGowan (St Johnstone), James Jeggo and Martin Boyle (both Hibernian) are also at home in the top flight.
It has been a shrewd market for Scottish clubs, just look at the success of Rowles, Devlin and Baccus, and there’s more to come, according to former Scotland international Gavin Rae.
“There are a lot of Australian players now in Scotland and in terms of the market, it’s great for Scotland because Scotland normally gets priced out of markets and they can’t compete,” Rae – who played for Dundee and Rangers but now lives in Australia – told Football Scotland.
“Whereas coming to Australia and handpicking the players here that are doing well, it gives them a platform.
“There are some really good players in the A-League. They’re technically very good in Australia growing up and really physical, and I think it’s showing with the players who have went to Scotland so far and how well they’re doing.
There are a lot more players here I feel that could do a job in Scotland or elsewhere in Europe so it won’t surprise me if it happens more.
A player who moved in the opposite direction and is enjoying enourmous success in the Isuzu UTE A-League is Central Coast Mariners star Jason Cummings.
Cummings – the subject of this week’s A-Leagues All-Access episode – moved to Australia from Dundee in January last year and the Scottish-born Socceroo has not looked back, earning All-Star and FIFA Men’s World Cup selection.
After 10 goals in his first season with the Mariners, the 27-year-old has eight goals through 13 appearances this term.
“He’s been phenomenal really in terms of his performance levels, his goals and assists,” said Rae.
“His overall play has been a really high standard out here. It’s no surprise really because he’s a top player.
“He’s had a few moves over the years that haven’t maybe worked out and obviously his time at Dundee didn’t end particularly well, but I think he’s found a place where he can just relax and play really good football.
“It seems to have suited him really well coming out here and with the timing of it.
“Obviously, he’s got into the Socceroos team as well which is an amazing achievement for him. Again, I’m not surprised because of the level he was putting in in the A-League.
“He’s also sort of different to the other strikers they took to the World Cup.
He just seems to have found a manager that sort of gets him and he gets the club at Central Coast Mariners. They are doing really well as a club and he’s definitely a big part of that.
“It’s been good to see him look like he’s really enjoying his football and when he does that, he’s got talent for sure.”
Juande’s surgery on broken leg a success
Adelaide United’s Juande had successful surgery to repair two broken bones in his right leg.
The Spanish midfielder broke both his tibia and fibula in the Reds’ match with Melbourne City on Sunday afternoon – resulting in around a half-an-hour stoppage in the contest.
Juande went under the knife on Monday, with the club releasing a statement on Tuesday night saying the surgery was a success.
“Firstly, I want to thank the doctors and nurses at The Alfred Hospital for their care during my time since this accident — everyone has been amazing,” Juande said in the statement.
“Sunday was a very difficult moment for my family and I, but the support I have received from people around the world has been incredible and I cannot thank everyone enough.
“I also want to thank all the people at Adelaide United for their love as well because it has been very comforting for me as I go through this situation.
“I hope to start my recovery and get back to Adelaide as soon as possible to cheer the Club on for the rest of the season.”
Wright makes last minute January move
Another Aussie has made the move in January, with Socceroos centre-back Bailey Wright joining Rotherham United on loan until the end of the season.
Wright joins the Championship side from Sunderland, after falling down the pecking order as of late and with the Millers looking to load up in the defensive half.
The 30-year-old said he was excited to join the club as they look to avoid the drop back to League One this season.
“I spoke to the gaffer (Matt Taylor), we had a chat and knew the opportunity to come in and play my football at a really good club,” Wright told the Rotherham website.
“It had excited me. I liked like what I heard, and I want to be part of it. So, to get it done, today I’m obviously delighted. I’m here to work. I’m here to obviously be part of the team and do what I can to really push this on and enjoy the season.
“So, I’m looking forward to it I’m glad it’s the first time I’ve I’ve been part of a deadline day and it’s been pretty relaxed and it’s been nice.”
‘Australia’s X-Factor’: kuol’s impact stretches beyond football
Garang Kuol fever is sweeping over all football codes!
Retired rugby league star Andrew Fifita took to Instagram, posting a signed photo of one of Kuol’s jersey’s on his Instagram story with the caption: ‘Australia’s x-factor… big shout out’.
Kuol re-shared the post on his own story saying: “appreciate it big man @andrewfifita’.
