Portsmouth favourite Hayden Matthews makes World Cup admission as Fratton Park stock rises
Hayden Matthews has registered nine appearances in all competitions for Pompey this season.
Hayden Matthews has admitted he is hopeful of heading to the World Cup with Australia next year.
But the 21-year-old has made it clear the dream remains firmly in the back of his mind as he focuses on cementing his place in John Mousinho’s Championship side.
Despite frustrations in the season, Matthews has returned the side in impressive style in recent weeks, putting in formidable showings against Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County.
As his form continues to improve, the £1.2m January arrival has one eye on next summer’s World Cup after Australia earned automatic qualification in June.
The young talent registered one cap for the Socceroos during his career and has been called up to two of the previous three international camps with Tony Popovic’s side.
And with the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 2026, Matthews has lifted the lid on his current ambitions with less than six months to go.
Hayden Matthews’ Aussie World Cup hopes
He told The News: ‘It’s in the back of my mind. Obviously I’ve been involved with the national team for three camps but only played the one game.
‘It’s been good to be in and around everything and every time I go it’s a really good experience and I learn so much. But it’s all in the back of my mind at the moment.
‘What’s in front of us is this Christmas period and a really big time for football. There’s a lot of games and that’s where all my focus is right now.
‘I don’t speak with him (Tony Popovic) directly but I’m in contact with the national team every week.
‘They’re always checking in based on the result, seeing how things went and just keeping in contact.’
Pompey man relishing defensive battle
Matthews has returned to form in recent weeks, putting in solid displays in the backline - most recently Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Derby County.
The Aussie sensation rose to the occasion to keep £7m summer signing Patrick Agyemang at arms length for the majority of the Pride Park affair.
But with Josh Knight and Conor Shaughnessy both set to return to action in the coming weeks following respective injury issues, Matthews is determined to tie down his spot in Mousinho’s backline.
‘Definitely good to be back playing and hopefully I can keep my spot.
‘It’s up to me if I don’t but I’ve just got to keep playing well and hopefully I can keep my spot.
We’ve got a very competitive centre-half group here. Shocks is coming back from injury, Regan has been out for a little bit and Knighty isn’t too far away either.
‘Everyone wants to be playing, right? I guess as long as I’m playing well I’m hoping to keep my spot, keep playing well and hopefully the team keeps winning.’