Former Rangers forward Jason Cummings has spoken to the Scottish Sun about his international future.
The 24-year-old forward is currently plying his trade with Shrewsbury Town in EFL League One, having been released by Nottingham Forest in the summer.
He’s started well at New Meadow, too, scoring in two of his first four appearances.
For now, though, he’s not in Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s plans, and if that continues, he could switch allegiance.
Cummings qualifies for Australia through his mother’s side of the family, and the Socceroos want to take him on board. Given that he’s only been capped for Scotland in friendlies, the move would be allowed.
Former Rangers forward Cummings considering switch
“I’m not bribing Scotland,” the striker told the Scottish Sun. “But if I’m not going to get a chance with Scotland, it would be stupid not to take the chance with Australia.”
“I’ve been speaking with the manager and his assistant and they’re keen to have me. They want a finisher like myself.
“But I’m Scottish. I was born and raised in Scotland and I’ve grown up my whole life watching Scotland. There’s nothing I’d love more than to play for Scotland. It would be an absolute honour.
“If I’m honest, I want to hold out. I’ve had a good start at Shrewsbury and once I get fully fit, I might catch Steve Clarke’s eye. I wouldn’t say I’m rushing into the decision.”
Verdict
Cummings finds himself at a potentially pivotal career crossroads this season.
After largely failing to make an impact since moving to England in 2017, he’s now with his fourth different club south of the border and at 24, he can no longer get away with putting mistakes down to the naivety of youth.
When he’s at his best, he can be an impressive player to watch, but for many, those times are few and far between.
Therefore, at Shrewsbury, a team who narrowly avoided the drop from League One last season, he needs to prove he can perform consistently across a full campaign.
If he manages that, given Scotland’s lack of attacking options, you would think he might earn a call-up.
If it doesn’t come, though, who could blame him for switching his allegiances. With Australia, for example, he would have a realistic chance of featuring in the next World Cup.
