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Taggart set to spark Socceroos on Cup path

3 minute read

Korea-based striker Adam Taggart appears likely to lead the line for Australia in their opening World Cup qualifier against Kuwait next month.

ADAM TAGGART of the Glory looks to pass the ball during the round 25 A-League match between the Perth Glory and Sydney FC at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia.
ADAM TAGGART of the Glory looks to pass the ball during the round 25 A-League match between the Perth Glory and Sydney FC at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Striker Adam Taggart's goal blitz in South Korea is set to be rewarded with the responsibility of leading the line for the Socceroos in their opening World Cup qualifier.

Graham Arnold will announce his squad on Friday for next month's away match against Kuwait, which is the start of Australia's journey to Qatar 2022.

Taggart made his return to the national team in June in a 1-0 friendly loss to South Korea and has been in hot form since then.

The 26-year-old, who joined Suwon Bluewings from A-League side Brisbane Roar in February, leads the K-League scoring charts with 16 goals and also scored for the K-League All Stars in an exhibition game against Italian giants Juventus.

A member of Australia's 2014 World Cup squad, Taggart is expected to be among the first picked by Arnold for the 2022 qualification opener in Kuwait on September 10.

After resting several key names for the friendly against South Korea, Arnold is expected to draw heavily on European-based players for his squad to face the world No.156-ranked Kuwaitis.

Scottish-born defender Harry Souttar, who was part of the squad for the South Korea match, could be in contention for a first cap with Bailey Wright injured and Matthew Spiranovic's club future up in the air.

Brandon Borrello debuted for Australia in Busan and is likely to be in the squad to face Kuwait having made a good start to the Bundesliga season with Freiburg in Germany.

A-League players, including recently returned stars Robbie Kruse and Andrew Nabbout, may be largely overlooked by Arnold given they are still in pre-season before the Australian competition kicks off in October.

Australia faced Kuwait in their build-up to this year's Asian Cup, posting a 4-0 win in October in the first game of Arnold's second stint at the helm of the national team.

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