After being away with the Socceroos over the international break, Craig Goodwin’s focus has now shifted back on Adelaide United.
The Reds face Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League, determined to rebound following its loss to Perth Glory on Remembrance Day.
Goodwin, back from international duty, is also raring to go.
“Obviously it was a nice experience to go with the national team and be in the set-up,” Goodwin said in Wellington.
“Obviously it’s what I want to strive for and be involved in the camps and to push on to the next stage and try and get match minutes and hopefully be in the Asian Cup squad.
“Now coming back with Adelaide it’s a really important period for us to pick up as many points as possible and now fully focused on that.”
Adelaide are unbeaten in their past eight matches against the ‘Nix, with their last defeat against them occurring in November 2015.
.@taylorreegs, @nmileu and @armiento11 all come in to the extended squad to face Wellington on Saturday. #AUFC #WELvADL
📰 Read more: https://t.co/CKRwPIetiw pic.twitter.com/HvkY3kkE6i
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 22, 2018
In order, to keep that streak intact, Goodwin reiterated his teammates in saying they must be mindful of their counter-attacking abilities.
“We know Wellington in Wellington is a tough fixture,” he said.
“I think we do know their qualities.
“They’re fast in transition and have good players up front.
“So we’ve to be wary of that, but I think it’s one where we need to focus on ourselves and our game plan and the way we try and set up and the way we play.”
For the match, Marco Kurz is without the injured Mirko Boland, however Taylor Regan and Nikola Mileusnić, and Carlo Armiento have been included in the extended squad.
Goodwin is also optimistic his scintillating form can continue despite the halt in momentum following the international break.
The 26-year-old has scored eight goals from the first eight games across all competitions.
“I’m confident that I can keep this up,” he suggested.
“Obviously it’s nice to be involved in the goals and assists and being a winner that’s my main job to try and contribute to.
“But other than that, it’s about doing my role for the team in the defensive duties, the pressing, and everything like that.”
Adelaide United face Wellington Phoenix in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 24 November at Westpac Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and streamed on the My Football Live App.
