Jamie Maclaren backed to find scoring form for Socceroos

Jamie Maclaren’s Hibernian teammates believe it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates open as his wait for a maiden international goal continues.

Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek and Jamie Maclaren react after Australia’s defeat to Jordan. Picture: AP

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Another cap, another 90 minutes waiting for a maiden Socceroos goal.

But Jamie Maclaren’s Hibernian teammates believe it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates open for the luckless striker.

Maclaren was handed an unexpected start against Jordan after Andrew Nabbout twinged his groin in the team’s final training run on Saturday evening, and with it a chance to open his international account in his ninth cap.

Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek and Jamie Maclaren react after Australia’s defeat to Jordan. Picture: AP

The Scotland-based striker, on loan from German second-tier club SV Darmstadt 98 but reportedly being targeted by Melbourne City, came agonisingly close in the final minutes of the 1-0 loss. He belted a loose ball into the back of the net, only to be flagged for offside.

It’s continued the unfortunate start to Maclaren’s Socceroos career, one in which the former Brisbane Roar marksman was isolated up front and only made eight passes.

Skipper Mark Milligan, who plays alongside Maclaren in the Scottish Premiership, put it down to a few factors.

Jamie Maclaren came close to opening his account for the Socceroos. Picture: AP

“He’s still quite fresh to the Socceroos scene, he hasn’t had a great deal of starts and I think for a striker that’s important as well,” Milligan said.

“It will come from Macca because his movement in and around the box is very good.”

Martin Boyle, another Hibs teammate who has combined well with Maclaren at club level, said: “If he’s patient enough it will come, and I’m sure when he gets one then, you know what he’s like, they will all come flooding in.”