Snubbed Adelaide United winger Craig Goodwin says Graham Arnold’s decision to not include him in this week’s Socceroos squad has helped drive his recent upturn in form.
Goodwin finally broke his 11-game run without a goal from open play when he netted the winner at Hindmarsh against Brisbane Roar earlier this month and he has since gone on to also score a match winning goal against Melbourne Victory, and Goodwin admits being overlooked for the Socceroos squad has left him wanting to make a statement.
“I think so, obviously I want to give my best but it’s added motivation,” Goodwin told local media this week.
“I spoke to Graham Arnold and he says he likes me as a player and I’ve just got to keep performing at a high level.”
“Obviously I’m disappointed because I want to be involved with the national team at any stage but he did speak to me and I know that I have to keep performing at a high level and picking up as many goals and assists as I can.”
With Melbourne City (Curtis Good, Conor Metcalfe, Jamie Maclaren), Sydney FC (Andrew Redmayne, Ryan McGowan, Rhyan Grant), Central Coast Mariners (Ruon Tongyik) and Macarthur FC (Denis Genreau) all having representatives in the Socceroos squad – Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar are the only current top six sides not to have a player called up.
Goodwin believes being outside of New South Wales and Victoria might play a part in getting noticed.
“If you look at Melbourne City and Sydney they’re first and second at the moment,” Goodwin said.
“There’s other players that have played well as well so maybe those teams because they have the bigger names get more of the limelight.”
“But for the other players that are competing for those positions it’s about performing consistently.”
The 29-year-old is currently on loan with the Reds from Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda after a strong season back home in Adelaide he says he is still unsure on his future.
“To be honest it is up to my club in Saudi,” Goodwin said.
“I haven’t heard from them yet, I am waiting to hear what their intentions are.”
“I’m contracted for next season so as far as I know I’m doing that (going back to Saudi Arabia.”
But the former Sparta Rotterdam winger hasn’t ruled out returning to Adelaide next season just yet.
“Obviously going forward I would love to be in Adelaide whether it is next season or whether it’s in the future,” Goodwin said.
“This is my home and this is where I have enjoyed some of the best years of my career.”
“I’ve got a lot of love for the club and for the supporters so we will have to wait and see what the future holds.”
Image supplied – Adelaide United/Jordan Trombetta
