Cummings’ title statement, his Golden Boot warning for Maclaren & 10-year dream in Australia

Jason Cummings has warned Jamie Maclaren of his intent to knock him off his perch as the Isuzu UTE A-League’s leading goalscorer in 2022-23.

The Central Coast Mariners striker is already a goal off the pace, after Maclaren got off the mark in Melbourne City’s 2-1 win over Western United in the season opener. But that won’t knock the confidence of the newly-capped Socceroo.

Central Coast kick-off their season with an F3 Derby against rivals Newcastle Jets on October 8 and boasting an exciting crop of players, including new Socceroo Garang Kuol and Jacob Farrell, Cummings has high hopes.

Cummings believe the Mariners are “underdogs for winning the league”. 

The Australia international also has a message for Melbourne City talisman and reigning Golden Boot winner Jamie Maclaren.

Maclaren topped the goalscoring charts with 15, while Cummings netted 10 for the Mariners following his arrival from Scotland.

I said to him in the Socceroos (camp): I’m coming for him. I’m going to come for him this year.

CUMMINGS v MACLAREN – A FANTASY FOOTBALL BATTLE

Above all, Cummings is enjoying his fresh start in Australia.

Cummings signed a contract extension in the off-season, a deal tying him to the Mariners until at least 2024.

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“I’d sign a 10-year deal here, not a problem,” the former Hibernian, Rangers and Dundee striker said.

“I just love Australia. The lifestyle, the weather, the people, it’s been amazing. 

“I wish I came out here earlier, but I’m happy where I am just now.”

The start of the ALM season shapes as a vital period for Cummings in his quest to earn a spot at Qatar 2022.

Fresh off finding the net on his Socceroos debut against New Zealand on Sunday, Cummings will head into the season with six weeks to push for a FIFA Men’s World Cup berth.

Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold has spelled out what is required to earn a seat on the plane.

“He said just do what I normally do,” Cummings said. “That was the reason why I got called up in the first place – he likes my style and likes the fact that I score goals and I work hard, and that’s what I’ll do. 

“It’s everyone’s dream, the World Cup. It’s the reason why you become a footballer when you’re younger, you’re only dreaming of things like that.

“Playing the World Cup on the biggest stage, with the biggest players, would be unbelievable. 

“All I can do is try my best with the Mariners, score goals, and hopefully I can go.”

After falling off Scotland’s radar, Edinburgh-born Cummings switched his allegiance to Australia – he qualifies through his mother – joined Central Coast this year and has not looked back.

“It’s starting to sink in now. I’m just proper proud,” he said of his maiden international goal.

“Last year I was on the bench at Dundee, wasn’t getting a game. A lot of people gave up on me, (but) I never gave up on myself. 

“I always trusted the process. I always work hard and train hard and to get that opportunity with the Socceroos is a dream come true. 

“It’s the reason why I came to Australia, to start a clean slate over here and score goals, and that was my end goal – and I’ve got a goal as well. 

“So now I need to set some new goals. Hopefully maybe the World Cup, get a few more caps and just score goals.”

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