Search

show me:

Older, wiser Taggart enjoying Roos revival

3 minute read

A lot has happened in the seven years since Adam Taggart bagged a double for Australia in the Socceroos' last match against Taiwan.

ADAM TAGGART
ADAM TAGGART Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

When a teenaged Adam Taggart last lined up for Australia against Taiwan, he had the football world at his feet.

The 19-year-old marked his starting debut for the Socceroos with a double as Australia romped to an 8-0 win in an East Asian Cup preliminary round fixture in Hong Kong in 2012.

Back in Taiwan ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Kaohsiung on Tuesday, Taggart remembers that December 2012 appearance vividly.

"It was the start of being part of the national team and a really enjoyable game," Taggart told AAP.

"We obviously smashed them that game and being so young, it was a big buzz to make your starting debut for your country.

"I definitely remember it. I definitely remember both the goals as well. I don't think I've ever had an easier goal, the first one."

More would go right for Taggart in the next couple of years including a spot in Australia's 2014 World Cup squad - playing against Holland and Spain - before a big move to English club Fulham.

Then injuries hit.

Taggart left England with just seven appearances on loan to Scottish club Dundee United to show for his two seasons.

Back in the A-League, he slowly restored his fitness and reputation, first with Perth and then briefly at Brisbane before a move to South Korean club Suwon Bluewings in February.

A prolific campaign for Suwon has brought Taggart back into the national team and he made his first appearance since 2014 when the Socceroos played South Korea in a June friendly.

That double in 2012 and a strike against China the following year remain Taggart's only international goals in a Socceroos career with just nine appearances across seven years.

"You appreciate a lot of things a lot more after a few years of struggle with injury," he said.

"It was really early on in my career that I first got the opportunity and it's a different feel now I'm more in that middle-age bracket and I've got a lot of mates here as well."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au