Meredith out to prove he's Australia's best left-back

Championship newcomer James Meredith believes he is Australia's most accomplished left-back, and aims to prove it with a storming season for Millwall.

James Meredith

James Meredith is unveiled by Millwall Source: Millwall FC

With a Socceroos recall in mind, the 29 year old is in a bullish mood ahead of the new season, which kicks off at Nottingham Forest on Friday night (Saturday AEST).

The latest in a long line of Australians to arrive at The Den, Meredith - who in May signed a two-year contract with the newly promoted Lions - views the switch from Bradford City as a platform to help him back into Ange Postecoglou's plans.
With two caps to his name and a thirst for more, Meredith said: "My aim is to get back in the Socceroos team.

"I think I did well when I played before but I obviously understand Ange wanting to go for younger  players, which makes sense building towards the future.

"But in my eyes, as a left back for Australia, I am the best available.

"I have to go out and prove that and hopefully I will be able to do that by turning a few heads this season.

"If I am to have any chance of getting back into the Australian team this is the league I have to be playing in."

Meredith, who has been on the cusp of a Championship switch for several seasons, has dropped off the national team radar somewhat with Postecoglou turning to the likes of Brad Smith, Alex Gersbach and Aziz Behich in the left wing back role.

But hope springs eternal as his follows in the foot steps of compatriots Kevin Muscat, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Shane Lowry and Dave Mitchell in south-east London.
"They seem to like Aussies at Millwall," he said.

"I think they appreciate the fact that Australians are known for being tough and hard-working.

"That's what springs to mind when you mention players like Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Kevin Muscat.

"I feel like I fit in here ... it's a real family club everybody looks out for each other.

"We will have a certain way here and I will fit into that.

"I have been ready to make this step up for a long time now (having come close with the Bantams in several occasions)."

Renowned for their no-nonsense and bustling style, Meredith said Millwall will also be playing their fair share of football this season as they seek to consolidate in English football's second tier.

"There's a lot of quality in the Championship and I think we'll be there to carve out a niche for ourselves," he added.

"We have faith in the way we play and I think we can do well.
"We'll be a physical, hard working pressure team who will both play football and also go direct.

"We'll aim to press teams and squeeze the life out of them."


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3 min read
Published 3 August 2017 6:38pm
By Dave Lewis

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