City's Atkinson determined to reclaim Socceroos berth

Nathaniel Atkinson hopes an ALM return can help him towards winning more Socceroos caps. (AP PHOTO)

Nathaniel Atkinson is back at Melbourne City, fit again and ready to stake his claim for a Socceroos recall.

Atkinson started the Socceroos' World Cup opener against France in 2022 but has had a patchy run since, with injuries affecting his final years at Scottish club Hearts.

He left Scotland to return to City, where he made his name as a dashing right-back, on a three-year deal.

Atkinson, 25, is determined to remind the A-League Men, and new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, what he can do.

"I'm confident. Obviously I know what I'm capable of, and I think I've shown that in the games that I've played," Atkinson told AAP.

"But the best thing for me at the moment is just to get a long run of games and consistent game time without little niggling injuries and sicknesses. That's what slowed me down the last season or two.

"The big thing was to come back to Melbourne City because that's where I felt physically my best. That was a big reason to come back, to really just sort my body out and push on from there.

"Obviously Popa's shown that he's not afraid to bring in the A-League players."

Nathaniel Atkinson and Ben Folami.
Nathaniel Atkinson closes down Melbourne Victory's Ben Folami on derby day in 2021.

In 2020, Atkinson signed for Perth Glory namely to play under Popovic - a move which never eventuated.

Popovic shortly after left for Greek club Xanthi, while Atkinson backflipped on his move to remain at City.

But Popovic's use of a back three with wingbacks should play in attacking Atkinson's favour.

"With the players that we have, it suits us well," Atkinson said.

Surprisingly, coach Aurelio Vidmar deployed Atkinson in midfield in City's opening-round win over Newcastle, with Callum Talbot at right-back.

But Atkinson has his sights set on reclaiming his preferred spot.

Both Atkinson and City hope his form means an overseas club will come calling.

"I enjoyed my time overseas, and I want to get back there as soon as possible," he said.

"The best way to put yourself into the shop window is being successful in a team, and that's a big reason why I wanted to come back to City because I believe that we can achieve a lot of things."

The next challenge is Saturday night's Melbourne derby at AAMI Park.

Former City coach Patrick Kisnorbo's first derby as Victory boss adds extra spice to the occasion.

"Obviously we've had such great times together but he's moved on, and now he's on the other side, so we want to beat him, and he wants to beat us," Atkinson said.

"That's what football is these days.

"But a derby's a derby and everything else goes out the window."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store