Nikita Rukavytsya still harbours Socceroos ambitions as he prepares for Western United home debut

New Western United recruit Nikita Rukavytsya could make his first start at home this weekend. And he reveals he has unfinished business at home and abroad.

New Western United recruit Nikita Rukavytsya hasn’t given up on playing for Australia again as he prepares for his first A-League home game in eight years.

Ballarat will play host to the striker’s first appearance in front of Western United fans when it takes on Newcastle at Mars Stadium.

It will be his second appearance in the green and black colours after he made his debut for the club last week, playing 22 minutes in United’s 1-0 loss to Macarthur.

Rukavytsya returned home after playing in Israel for eight seasons for four clubs.

During that time he was a two-time leading goalscorer in the Israel Premier League and also played Champions League football for Maccabi Haifa.

While Rukavytsya loved his time in Israel the time had come for a new challenge, which is what lured him to United.

“I just wanted to try something different,” he said.

“I had offers but I spoke to John (Aloisi) and I really liked his vision about the season and what he wanted to achieve with the team.

“It interested me and this is why I’m here.”

Rukavytsya said his first focus was to get to full fitness and impress for his new club.

But he hasn’t ruled out playing for the Socceroos again.

Nikita Rukavytsya celebrates a goal for Western Sydney during his time at the club. Picture: Mark Evans

Even though he is 36 and his last game was in 2021, Rukavytsya hasn’t given up on the 21 appearances he already has to his name.

“At this moment my focus is on Western United,” he said.

“I’m a striker so it’s normal I always want to score as many goals as possible and help the team that way.

“But I want to bring my quality and experience to the team. My goal is for the success of the team this year.

“I’m sure if things are going well other things come automatically.

“As long as I feel good with myself and I’m fit and sharp I always want to be playing with the national team.”

Rukavytsya said he was unsure of how many minutes he’d play this week but he would have a role to play.

“We haven’t spoken about it yet,” he said.

“Our conversations before were to get my fitness back, to not rush into it or get injured.

“But I’m feeling much better now.

“We will see what will happen closer to the weekend.”

Western United takes on Newcastle at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon.