Australia manager Graham Arnold has been told it's a 'no-brainer' to get Jason Cummings in his Socceroos squad for their playoff.
Former Hibs, Rangers and Dundee striker Cummings took his tally for the season to nine goals and six assists from 17 appearances for Central Coast Mariners with a double in midweek against Newcastle Jets.
Australia face crucial World Cup playoffs against the United Arab Emirates and then Peru if they win the semi-final.
And Cummings' boss Nick Montgomery reckons it's inconceivable Cummings - who has two Scotland caps in friendlies - won't switch allegiances.
He said: “There’s nobody really like Jason available to Graham Arnold in terms of the way he plays. You look at the experience he’s had at clubs like Rangers, Hibs and Nottingham Forest and he’s still only 26 years old.
"He’s got another six or so years ahead of him if he breaks through at international level - and for me he’s top quality. His stats speak for themselves since he’s arrived here and I think he’d be a great asset to the national team.
“Qualify is quality and he’s shown it in spades here...everyone in the league loves him. Look at the way he’s played since we brought him in. He should definitely be considered by the national team.
"I think it’s really a no-brainer. I watch him every day and he provides something different.
"He’s not just a number nine. He’s smart and can come deep to pick up possession, and he can run in behind. I don’t see any other player in his position currently available to Australia up front with his ability.
"He’d love a call-up and I’ve told him to just keep working hard and the opportunity may come. He’s honest, professional and hard working, everything a coach wants in a player. He also has leadership qualities and the young players love him.
"He knows he’s done a few silly things in the past which has hurt his reputation and one of the reasons he moved out here was to reinvent himself, and he’s already achieved that in the space of four or five months.
"He’s leading by example and is a top person. He’s very happy here. He’s settled in well and loving life and football. That’s why I convinced him to come out."
