Paris Olympics: Michelle Heyman determined to hold Matildas spot

A new Matildas hero says she will back herself to make a difference in Paris as a huge selection headache emerges for the coach.

Matildas striker Michelle Heyman is confident she can deliver her best against the world’s strongest sides at the Olympics after she capped a stunning international return with four goals against Uzbekistan on Wednesday night. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

Matildas striker Michelle Heyman believes she can deliver against the world’s best sides after bolting into calculations for the Paris Olympics with a stunning four-goal salvo against Uzbekistan.

The 35-year-old celebrated her first start for the Matildas in almost six years with a hat-trick inside the first 16 minutes as she put an exclamation mark on a fairytale return to the national side after stepping away due to injury and mental health issues in 2019.

Heyman said her comeback, which was initiated in a bid to help replace injured captain Sam Kerr, had been an “emotional rollercoaster” after having to watch the Matildas’ boom in popularity from a distance in recent years, including in the stands during the home World Cup.

But she said her previous experience meant she was comfortable playing in coach Tony Gustavsson’s system as she committed to doing “everything I can” to make the 18-player squad for Paris.

Returning to the national side after a six-year hiatus, Michelle Heyman scored five times in two matches against Uzbekistan to close in on the Paris Olympics. Picture: William West / AFP

“The support that I get from Tony and the staff and the team has just been incredible, and it allows me to just play and have fun and be free,” Heyman said after her player of the match performance on Wednesday.

“It’s been a very emotional rollercoaster, I’ve been pushing so hard to try and get back into this squad.

“When I’m feeling as happy as I am, my football just flows … I know the (Matildas) system and I’ve been watching so much in the last four, five years that I haven’t been playing for them … I’ve done my research!”

The former Rio Olympics squad member said she would attack the remainder of the A-League Women season with ferocity as she tried to prove she was fit and explosive enough to be part of the Paris team.

“I think that’s going to be the biggest challenge for myself, to see where I’m at compared to the best,” she said.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson says Kaitlin Torpey’s versatility and quick adjustment to the tempo of international football had given him plenty to think about. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

“But I do believe in my ability, and I know how hard I’ve been pushing myself to get here … I’m going to continue to push even harder for Canberra United and just keep working on my fitness, my speed, do everything I can do to be one of those 16 (outfield) players going to Paris.”

Gustavsson said he was particularly impressed by Heyman’s combination with midfield maestro Katrina Gorry as he said he would need to prioritise chemistry over individual ability when picking his final squad for the 12-team tournament.

“When I select the squad for the Olympics, I might leave some players out of that roster who are better individually, but it’s about building the best team – getting the right players in the right position with the right mindset, and then have the chemistry out there,” he said.

Second-game winger Kaitlyn Torpey also impressed Gustavsson in her maiden international appearances, as he likened her assuredness at the level to star centre-back Clare Hunt.

“In the first three days (of camp), we were very positively surprised how quickly she adjusted to the tempo – last time I saw a player do that was when Clare Hunt came in a year ago,” he said.

“The fact that she’s versatile and can be used in so many positions … (I’m) very impressed.”

Originally published as Paris Olympics: Michelle Heyman determined to hold Matildas spot