Taggart focusing on himself, not the Socceroos
Fulham and Australia striker Adam Taggart refuses to allow the dream of a Socceroos recall distract him from his current duties on loan at Dundee United.
A relegation scrap on a grey, misty day in Scotland is a world away from the fanfare and fiesta of Brazil 2014, strutting the stage for your country at the FIFA World Cup.
But after more than a year dogged by injury setbacks and gnawing frustration, it’s as good a place as any for former A-League Golden Boot winner Adam Taggart to begin putting back the jigsaw of a career mixed up by ill-fortune since his move from Newcastle Jets to Championship side Fulham 16 months ago.
Yet to play a first-team game for the Cottagers, the 22-year-old striker is in reinvention mode at Dundee United – home for fellow Socceroos team-mate Ryan McGowan – where he is on loan until the New Year.
Taggart has already made six appearances as he builds his confidence and sharpness after overcoming the groin and hamstring problems which plagued him since his arrival in the UK.
Treasured appearances against Netherlands and Spain at the World Cup remain career milestones, but mention the Socceroos and the lure of Russia 2018 and Taggart refuses to bite.
Instead, he insists that after all the stumbles and false starts he is solely focused on recapturing the thrust and finishing power which brought him 16 goals for the Jets in 2013-2014, and alerted clubs across Europe to his potential.
He has no regrets on choosing Fulham, even the road has been littered with landmines. And while his current team-mates at the Tangerines are languishing just three points adrift at the foot of the Scottish Premier League, Taggart is simply grateful to have his body back.
“It's the first time I've put together a decent run of matches since I've been over here and while the sharpness isn't quite there yet and I am working hard to achieve it,” he said.
“There have been a lot of downs with the injuries but I am feeling close to 100 per cent now and while it’s difficult at a club that’s struggling, I just want to thank them for the chance and want do to repay them during my time here.
“We have excellent players, but it hasn’t been happening for us, and we know we're in a fight and that every game now is a battle.
"For me, though, I see this as fresh start ... it's almost like starting all over again and putting what has happened before behind me.
“It's a family club that deserves success. I've been so well received here and want to play my part in turning things around."
Taggart knew the time was right to leave Australia and his future still bristles with possibilities.
“I wanted to challenge myself after the World Cup and try and progress my career," he added. "I have a contract at Fulham until the end of next season and the opportunity is there to be a success.
"The start hasn't been ideal, but that's all part of football.
"It's been tough mentally at times to deal with but you just have to stay strong."
Taggart won’t let himself become starry-eyed with thoughts of a return to the Socceroos' inner sanctum any time soon, however.
“Of course I'd love to get back involved again because being in Brazil was an amazing experience which I will never forget," he said.
"But there’s a danger of letting that desire get in the way of what you're doing for your club.
"When I first got injured, it was all about t getting back so I could be available for Australia again, but I’ve learned that you have to keep your focus on the day-to-day things, like becoming a better player, [rather] than worrying too much about a Socceroos recall."
With the Jets showing signs of life in the A-League after last season’s wooden spoon horrors under the doomed Nathan Tinkler regime, Taggart takes pleasure in seeing fellow Aussie and former Fulham assistant coach Scott Miller excelling in his new gig as the main man on the Hunter.
“He's doing a great job and that’s no surprise to me at all," Taggart said. "I was with him at Fulham and he’s a really accomplished coach, who helped me a lot during some tough times when I needed somebody to lean on".