Nathaniel Atkinson’s comeback from ankle injury has him in line for selection in Australia’s Asian Cup squad

Nathaniel Atkinson’s encouraging return from injury for his Scottish club Hearts is good news for the Socceroos ahead of next month’s Asian Cup.

Nathaniel Atkinson has returned to action just in time for the Asian Cup. Picture: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Former Melbourne City star Nathaniel Atkinson’s timely return to fitness has eased concerns about the Socceroos having a lack of right-back options at the upcoming Asian Cup.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold had been sweating on 24-year-old Atkinson making a successful comeback from a serious ankle injury he suffered playing for his club, Scottish Premier League outfit Hearts, in September.

While Hibernian’s Lewis Miller is certain to be one of the right-backs in Australia’s Asian Cup squad, the second option in the position had become a concern, particularly after St Mirren’s Ryan Strain was ruled out of the tournament with a groin injury.

However, Atkinson has played in two of Hearts’ past three matches, including their 2-0 upset away weekend win over reigning champions Celtic.

Socceroo Nathaniel Atkinson has made a timely return to fitness. Picture: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images/AFP

“You have Nathaniel Atkinson who is just coming back and giving his all for as long as he can,” proud Hearts manager Steven Naismith told Hearts TV.

Defender Kye Rowles, a certainty to be named in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad, also started in the win for Hearts.

Arnold will on Friday announce his 23-man squad for the tournament, which starts next month in Qatar.

Goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan is set to recover in time from a fractured cheekbone, but there are still doubts over Melbourne City attacker Mathew Leckie (knee) and Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree (foot).

McGree hasn’t played since suffering the injury in early October in ‘Boro’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City.

The fitness of Leckie, who can also be used in a central attacking role, could also determine the selection fate of his Melbourne City teammate Jamie Maclaren and in-form Melbourne Victory ace Bruno Fornaroli.

Originally published as Nathaniel Atkinson’s comeback from ankle injury has him in line for selection in Australia’s Asian Cup squad