Yallop eyeing Matildas return after injury heartbreak
Sebastian Tan |
Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop has informed coach Joe Montemurro that she is intent on playing in next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as she rebuilds following hamstring surgery.
Yallop missed Australia’s home Women’s Asian Cup campaign after re-injuring her right hamstring and undergoing an operation in December.
It was a cruel blow for the 34-year-old, who was gunning to claim a second major international trophy after winning the Asian Cup in 2010.
She has since been rebuilding her strength with the Brisbane Roar, helping to steer them into the A-League Women’s finals, and now the midfielder is looking to return to the national squad.
“I’ve definitely been in close contact with the national team, and not just Joe, the medical staff as well … I want to be up for selection for the World Cup,” Yallop said ahead of Brisbane’s finals clash against Adelaide United on Saturday.
“After coming back from the hamstring (injury sustained last April) and redoing it, the key focus is to build proper loading before I’m pushed too far.
“I’ve got some time now as well to build into the match minutes, and that’s what I’m looking to do before heading into the international team.”
Saturday’s elimination final at Spencer Park has already sold out, a rarity for the ALW as the league has struggled to capitalise on the success of the Matildas.
But there have been calls from fans to move the clash to a larger capacity stadium.
It comes as the 5000-person venue has been criticised, with a report in February from the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) ranking the stadium as having the worst quality pitch in the league.
“The crowds that we have had at Spencer have been very consistent, and people saying to move knockout games to larger stadiums is a good conversation to be having,” Yallop said.
“For us to start that debate and have that as a focus for this season, but also moving forward, is a great topic of conversation that needs to be addressed for all the clubs that are reaching the top six.”
AAP