Forgotten left-back Jason Davidson keen to make up for lost time with Socceroos

Socceroos appearances for left-back Jason Davidson have been few and far in between since the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

The appointment of Tony Popovic as national coach gave forgotten left-back Jason Davidson the renewed hope he needed to be convinced that his Socceroos career could be revived.

Having made his most recent of his 23 Socceroos appearances in Australia’s 2-1 friendly win over Jordan in June 2022 – more than six years after his previous game in the green and gold – Davidson has been recalled to the national squad for Thursday night’s clash against Indonesia in Sydney and Tuesday week’s battle with China in Hangzhou.

“When the boss (Popovic) became the national team coach again (in September last year), it reignited the flame and ambition to work hard and maybe get an opportunity,” said 33-year-old Davidson, who has profited from a hamstring injury suffered by emerging star Jordan Bos.

“I’ve always said in my career that to represent your country is the greatest honour and privilege, so you always as a footballer have that ambition to represent your country, but it’s difficult sometimes when you’re away for so long.

“I did get that call up in 2022 just pre-World Cup but then injured myself … so I didn’t want to end my international career that way, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be given another opportunity.”

The lads are all together again 🤝 @HibernianFC teammates Martin Boyle, Lewis Miller and Nectar Triantis - and Fran Karačić - have touched down at Subway #Socceroos camp in Sydney 🛬

🎟️: https://t.co/p7YUTOaKHu
🇦🇺 v 🇮🇩 - 20.3.25, 8:00pm AEDT
📱💻📺: Live on 10, Paramount+, 10… pic.twitter.com/NVZZpLOm0x

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 17, 2025

Melbourne-born Davidson, who was part of the Socceroos’ 2015 AFC Asian Cup-winning squad, is plying his trade for Greek Super League outfit Panserraikos.

His previous clubs have included Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory, where he played under Popovic in the 2018-19 A-League season.

“I played in this system in Perth … so it’s very similar in what (Popovic) wanted back then,” Davidson said.

“For me it’s very similar, especially with tactics and in general everything, so it makes it a bit easier … (but) one thing I know with the boss is that no one can expect to play. Everyone is on their tippy toes and everyone needs to perform well at training and when given that opportunity, needs to perform on the pitch.”

Wins over Indonesia and China will be a significant step for the Socceroos in their bid to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup.

A top-two finish in their AFC third-round qualifying group will guarantee the Australians a World Cup berth.

With each nation having four matches remaining, the Socceroos sit in second spot in Group C, a point ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.

Group C leaders Japan are nine points ahead of the Socceroos and almost certain to qualify.

The first Subway #Socceroos session complete in sunny Sydney ☀️

📍 Leichhardt Oval, NSW

🎟️: https://t.co/p7YUTOaKHu
🇦🇺 v 🇮🇩 - 20.3.25, 8:00pm AEDT
📱💻📺: Live on 10, Paramount+, 10 Play
📻: ABC Radio#FeelNewSydneypic.twitter.com/WC3UBTtfJx

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 17, 2025

Experienced Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine said there was a “sense of calmness and confidence” in the Australian camp.

“It feels like we’re definitely moving in the right direction,” Irvine said.

“Every game is important, every game is massive, and it’s brilliant to be part of that … high pressure (and) high stakes. That’s what you want as a player.

“Every player that’s here deserves to be here, and they’ve obviously shown the coach that they’re capable of representing the national team at the highest level.”

Originally published as Forgotten left-back Jason Davidson keen to make up for lost time with Socceroos