How Jason Cummings can follow Jack Grealish blue-print with ex-Hibs and Rangers man tipped for Australia World Cup call
JASON CUMMINGS has been tipped for a place in Australia's Word Cup squad - and to take the chance to let his football do the talking.
The flamboyant forward often grabs attention with his outgoing personality - but he has been backed to steal more headlines for his on-pitch talents IF he makes the cut for Qatar.
Cummings switched international allegiance after making two appearances for Scotland and now, with a new life Down Under, the Scot-turned-Socceroo has been named in Graham Arnold's provisional squad after an eye-catching start to life with Central Coast Mariners.
A goal ratio better than one every two games since moving from Dundee has earned the ex-Rangers and Hibs frontman a place on the international long-list ahead of final selection later this month.
His club boss Nick Montgomery - himself a former Scotland international who swapped the UK for life Down Under - believes the maturing Cummings has "a real chance" of making Graham Arnold's 26-man squad.
He said: "Jason scored on his debut for Australia and has certainly put his hand up for a World Cup place.
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"The way he is playing I think he has a real chance.
"[Graham Arnold] is a big fan of Jason and likes his character. Jason also brings something different to what Graham has because he is very creative and has a magical left foot.
"He scored a good few goals last season and has taken that form into the new season for us."
He added: "Jason probably has never found that place where he feels comfortable but I think he has now found that here.
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"I think it is down to the family lifestyle we have. There are less things for him to get distracted from.
"It is an easy lifestyle where you train and play and in your down time you can go and relax on the beach or by the sea.
"Jason knows he has probably made some poor life choices in the UK. That was the one thing I spoke to him about before he came across here.
"I told him I wanted his football to do the talking and to cut out all the stupid stuff.
"Jason has got his head down and worked hard.
"He is still a funny guy who does silly things and gets people laughing but now he is doing it at the right times.
"I think that is where he has really matured."
Cummings has jokingly rebranded his 'Cum-dog' nickname to 'CumDingo' to reflect his new surroundings.
And Montgomery used the comparison of England ace Jack Grealish's re-invention under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City - now both could now be bound for the Gulf state to play on the world stage.
The Mariners boss told the Daily Record: "Jason has admitted he made some poor life choices when he was younger.
"Most players have - you only have to look at Jack Grealish.
"Jack, like Jason, now has worked hard and everybody is talking about his football."
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And former Sheffield United midfielder Montgomery is prepared for more interest - IF the 'CumDingo' makes it to Qatar.
"We've definitely had a lot of interest in Jason. Who knows how long we can hold on to him come January, especially if he goes to the World Cup and does well?"
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