A-League: Adelaide United star Ben Halloran overlooked again for Socceroos duty

Ben Halloran will focus on helping Adelaide United secure an A-League finals berth after not being chosen in the Socceroos squad.

Ben Halloran celebrates scoring for Adelaide United. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

Adelaide United star Ben Halloran remains hopeful of resurrecting his Socceroos career despite missing out on yet another national squad.

Attacking weapon Halloran, who earnt all of his six Socceroos caps in 2014, was considered a good chance to be named in a larger than usual Australian squad for next month’s four World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait City due to his excellent form for the Reds this season.

However, Halloran won’t be in the squad – expected to be as big as 34 – for the matches against Kuwait, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan.

“I’ve played quite consistently this season but until I see the squad, it’s hard for me to compare, because there a lot of really good players in my position,” the Cairns product said.

“The Socceroos are a team I’d definitely love to be involved with again especially with the World Cup coming up next year.”

Under Ange Postecoglou, Halloran played in all three of the Socceroos matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

It seemed to be the start of a promising international career for the then Fortuna Dusseldorf winger.

However, Halloran, who turns 29 next month, hasn’t played in a competitive match for the Socceroos since, with his three other appearances in that same year being in friendlies.

Ben Halloran was part of Australia’s 2014 World Cup squad. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“I always focus on my club career and see the national team as a bonus but looking back it would have been nice to have made my mark a little bit more in the national team – everyone loves playing for their country,” he said.

“There were times throughout my career where I think I deserved to be picked in (Socceroos) squads, but the door’s not completely closed.

“If I keep playing at a good level then I’d like to think I’ll get picked eventually but it’s really out of my control.”

Halloran’s immediate focus is helping Adelaide secure an A-League finals berth.

The Reds have been in the top six for a large part of the season but can’t afford a dip in form such is the tight battle for spots two to six on the ladder.

“If you look at the table, it’s just so close,” said Halloran, whose Reds’ side meet struggling Melbourne Victory on Sunday night at AAMI Park.

“Playing a team like that Victory that has been really out for form this season, we really have to win.

“Melbourne City are going to win the premiership (the Premier’s Plate) so our goal is to finish second.

“It’s still achievable, but if we lose a couple of games we could be out of the top six, so we just have to treat every game as a final now.”

Originally published as A-League: Adelaide United star Ben Halloran overlooked again for Socceroos duty