Adam Taggart has set his sights on finding the back of the net for the Socceroos at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Newcastle Jets striker Adam Taggart has his sights set on adding to his international goal-scoring tally by finding the back of the net for the Socceroos at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
CLICK HERE to watch Adam Taggart’s exclusive interview with FFA TV about his World Cup selection.
Taggart-s insatiable appetite for goals saw him enjoy a breakout season for the Jets in 2013/14, scoring 16 goals in 25 matches en route to becoming the youngest player ever to collect the Hyundai A-League Golden Boot Award.
Taggart has already found the back of the net three times in four appearances for Australia and the 21-year-old said he will not be altering his goal-hungry approach despite the step-up to the biggest stage in world football.
“To feel as though I’m contributing to the team and scoring goals that’s all I think about,” Taggart said.
“Scoring goals is not at the back of my mind, it is right at the front.
“Throughout the season when being asked about the national team I didn’t want to get too far ahead of myself.
“At 21 years old it is something I would never even be able to imagine being in a World Cup.”
Taggart spent his 21st birthday on Monday playing in the Socceroos’ warm-up match against Brazilian division two side Parana Clube, scoring in the 2-0 victory.
Taggart said the first person he contacted after finding out the news of his selection was his mum Sue.
“She someone who tried to implement a mindset since I was a little kid, don’t get too big for your boots,” he said.
“It’s something I have tried to concentrate on, and not think I am better than what I do on the field.
“At the same time I need to dream big. As a little kid you talk about your dreams and now to finally reach it … words can’t describe.”
As big as he dreamed, Taggart says just month ago he never imagined being at the FIFA World Cup.
By the end of a blistering A-League season, where his 16 goals earned him the golden boot award, Taggart was seen as bolter for Brazil.
A back injury to veteran Socceroos striker Josh Kennedy paved the way for Taggart to be included in the final 23-man squad.
“It sort of hits you this morning when you see the players who missed out, the likes of Josh Kennedy who is extremely unlucky with his back,” he says.
“He’s someone I looked up to as a young kid and now to try fill his shoes and carry on the hard work he has put in to every game he has played for his country.”
