While he never pulled on the green and gold himself, former Liverpool star Craig Johnston is determined to see Australian football flourish but has seemingly been turned away by those in charge of the game.
The former midfielder believes Australia is going backwards fast when it comes to competing on the world stage and feels he can help turn the tide, especially when it comes to youth development.
Johnston, however, hasn't been able to get Football Federation Australia's attention and admits the snub does hurt as he watches the nation stumble when it comes to the world game.
“I want to pass on the clever stuff but these guys seem to be too clever to listen. It has hurt me for years but I am resilient." Johnston told The Daily Telegraph.
“I have always felt I have had so much to offer in all areas, specifically youth development.
"I have always offered my help. I want to help Australia be a better soccer nation.
"Facts are facts, we are going backwards.
“It’s not good enough. We are losing all the Youth Cups and tournaments against Asian oppositions. We are going backwards, fast."
New Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has made the Australian U23's side a priority since his appointment with the Olyroos recently sealing progress to the next stage of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Arnold stressing Australia's young players simply need to be playing more regular football if they're any chance of remaining competitive in the international arena.
“I’ve put things forward to the FFA Board and the working group that I believe what could help the game and get 30 kids – or 30 players – playing every weekend for each club," Arnold said in March.
“And it’s more about when they don’t play. Whoever they are, every weekend they need to play football. They need to play games.
“And if they’re not and if they’re just sitting in the grandstand and watching each week because they’re not in squads that’s no good for anybody.”
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