Uncapped defender Gethin Jones insists representing Australia was always his first choice.
Handed a shock call-up to the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad, Jones – who plies his trade for Bolton in England’s third tier – was born in Perth but spent most of his formative years in Wales.
The 28-year-old, who won caps and even captained national youth teams in his adopted country, said in a 2017 interview “I feel more Welsh than Australian”.
Fast forward seven years and Jones has been called up by Graham Arnold and will be in line to win his first Socceroos cap when Australia take on Bahrain in a friendly in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
“Arnie and (assistant coach) Rene (Meulensteen) have been coming to the games at Bolton for a few months,” Jones said.
“I knew they were watching, then Rene contacted me. I met up with Rene then all of a sudden I got a call from Arnie asking if I wanted to play for the Socceroos.
“I’ve always loved Australia, I was born in Perth and it just seemed like a normal process for me, like living back in Wales at a young age going through the youth levels.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind to represent my country of birth.
Gethin Jones playing in the Carabao Cup for Bolton Wanderers. (Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“As soon as I got the phone call asking me to play for Australia I was over the moon.”
Arnold has made a habit of convincing dual-eligible players to commit for Australia.
Martin Boyle, Jason Cummings and Harry Souttar could all have played for Scotland but were persuaded to represent the Socceroos after discussions with the persuasive head coach.
Jones is comfortable playing as a fullback on either side, and his introduction to the squad has been made smoother by the fact he and Souttar spent time together at English league club Fleetwood Town.
“I’m not going to lie, walking into a room with so many fresh faces, it is nerve-racking,” Jones said.
“(But) you can tell it’s a proper family environment, (it) makes you feel welcome.
“I’ve known Harry for a few years now, so it was really easy for me, knowing in making my decision that if I was going to come in I’d be alongside Harry Souttar.
“We work well together and it’s great to see him doing so well at club level and for the Socceroos.”
NickA
Roar Rookie
Have you watched Jones play?
NickA
Roar Rookie
Agree, Risdon has always been underrated. I think Atkinson has a lot of good qualities but ironically defending isn't one of his best. I've always though Risdon was a very well rounded player. Probably has suffered from being in a smallish A league team.
chris1
Roar Rookie
Insightful comment. Hard to argue with your logic. I do feel Risdon was discarded too soon. He was brilliant in that WC game v France.
Harry Brill
Roar Rookie
I’m adamant that Miller could become the RB mainstay for the next decade. There are other RBs in the underage squads that have promise like Talbot and Panashe, but Lewis Miller has all the attributes and is in the right place as it stands. He won’t be in Scotland for much longer. My only hope for Jones is that whenever he’s called upon this campaign he holds his own. If he sees minutes against Japan, Korea, Iran, etc, he’ll likely be playing against some of the best opposition he’s ever faced. Sometimes we forget the quality that does exist among Asia’s top squads. We will concede goals – let’s just hope we can out-gun them.
Cavaquinho
Roar Rookie
He is now on the wrong side of 30 and this hasn’t been his best season but Josh Risdon is substantially better than Atkinson, Karacic and Degenek. Against France in 2018 he controlled Mbappe while in 2022 Mbappe did as he liked against our national team. If Arnold had taken him to Qatar the Right Back position would have been rock solid with an intelligent attacking edge instead of being bereft of ideas going forward and an accident waiting to happen going back. His performance in the 2022 Grand Final for Western United showed his character and it is hard to believe he wouldn’t have fit into the mentality that Arnold used to drive the team forward in the World Cup.
Grem
Roar Rookie
There weren’t the same questions when Pim was choosing Chris Coyne and Pat Kisnorbo from lower leagues. With Ryan Strain injured, who else might he have chosen? And I’m not sold on Atkinson, who else is there? This may be brilliant for more depth as we go through the WC qualifiers.
chris1
Roar Rookie
Hopefully he does well and surely he would not have been picked if they didn't think he was worthy of a call up. People calling him a dud without ever having seen him play. So many people have second guessed Arnie and then are left to eat humble pie. Then they go back to where they were, regarding criticising him and think people have forgotten. A lot of it is just white noise.
Grem
Roar Rookie
We’re not sure how good Circati and Robertson may be yet. They each have a lot of potential and should they end up in Serie A or the Premier League, they could certainly be in demand.
stu
Roar Rookie
Well said. I do like it when facts disrupt the narative.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Tbh I’m not sure he has earned a spot against those in Australia or developed in Australia..a lower league British player. I think Annie likes the amount of games Uk players have to solidify their game .we need to bring Australia games to near that level
Grem
Roar Rookie
I look forward to seeing him play. Ryan Strain and Lewis Miller have looked good at right back, but more strength and depth is always great. I feel Atkinson has not come on in Scotland and Karacic was going to be OK at best. He may really surprise us at the Asian Cup - I hope so.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
We have better players in the A-League then this dud. Why?
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Who exactly has Arnie won over that was going to be picked by someone else , Souttar was in League One when Arnie got him, Boyle he was only in the Scottish top flight for just over a season when he got him in. Cummings he was never going to be picked for Scotland again. At least they were younger Gethin Jones is in his late 20's in league one and ignored by Wales.