Hull’s Garcia admits World Cup chances not clear cut

Hull City forward Richard Garcia knows he faces a tough task to make the final cut for Pim Verbeek’s World Cup squad.

The 28-year old knows he is probably the only Australian in the English Premier League who is not guaranteed a spot in the 23-man squad for South Africa but plans to try and rectify that by producing the goods for the Tigers as they strive to stay aloft in the top flight.

"There will be a tense few months ahead to wait and see whether I'm in the squad or not," he said.

"I think there are still a lot of spots up for grabs and I'm just trying to play as much here as I can and trying to concentrate on helping Hull get out of the predicament we're in. Hopefully that will be enough for me to get a place on the plane to South Africa."

Garcia has struggled with a few injuries this season but has begun to force his way back into the Hull first team but admits his performances over the years should linger in the coaching staff’s memory.

“I haven't really had a chance since I got injured," he added. "But I'm just hopeful that they've been watching me in the domestic league and also remember the times I have been with the squad and what they know I can do. I'm pretty confident they know what I've got available."

Garcia added further that the fact he is playing in the best league in the world should benefit him and he plans to push hard for selection so he can join the rest of the Socceroos in the sport’s biggest tournament.

“It's not as though I'm playing at a poor standard,” he said.

"Playing in this league prepares you well for playing in the World Cup because it is such a ruthless and high tempo league. It's one of the best leagues in the world and you're pitting yourself against some of the players that are going to be going to the World Cup.

"But at the same time you never want to tempt fate and I think as far as the Australia team goes we're all on even ground. At the moment, I'm pretty much concentrating on the job in hand here. I'm looking forward to that being over so I can concentrate on getting in the squad and hopefully going to the World Cup."