Alex Robertson dismisses switch rumours: 'Never crossed my mind'

Born in Scotland, Robertson comes from a family with strong Australian ties, as both his father and grandfather played for Australia. He earned his most recent of two international appearances against Argentina in Beijing in 2023 during Graham Arnold's tenure as coach, but has not featured since Tony Popovic took over.

He aims to earn more minutes when the Socceroos face Cameroon in Sydney this Friday and Curacao in Melbourne the following week. These matches represent the team's final home preparations ahead of the World Cup from 11 June to 19 July.

Last year, Popovic sparked surprise by stating that Robertson, eligible for England from youth levels, as well as Scotland and his mothers native Peru, had opted out of selection over a documentation snag.

Speaking on Tuesday, Robertson admitted he could not recall the specifics of the paperwork hassle, but firmly rejected any notion of entertaining alternative national teams.

There was never any real consideration of joining another side. It has always been Australia, the 22 year old shared with journalists in Sydney.

I spent my early years in Australia and always saw myself as Australian, so playing for any other nation just did not feel right.

I have noticed some of those rumours, but they were merely media speculation. It was never something that entered my thoughts.

Robertson received a call up for the Socceroos October training camp ahead of friendlies away to World Cup hosts Canada and the United States, yet he remained on the bench without playing.

These approaching fixtures could offer his final opportunity to catch Popovics eye and secure a place in the World Cup roster.

It would be everything to me, he remarked about competing in the major event.

From childhood, I have dreamed of representing Australia on the international stage, and just wearing the green and gold was a lifelong ambition.

I would never view it as a given, and I hope to earn additional matches while giving my all in every opportunity.