Canberra United coach Njegosh Popovich says star striker Michelle Heyman should be back in the frame for Matildas selection after a clinical double in their 3-0 drubbing of Wellington.
Heyman struck either side of halftime in Saturday’s rout, which brought up United’s first win of the A-League Women’s campaign, snapping a run of five draws in six games dating back to last season.
Midfielder Grace Maher opened the scoring early with a clever dink, United rampant from the jump with a handful of key chances in the first 15 minutes alone.
But it was Heyman’s double that caught her coach’s eye, Popovich suggesting the veteran forward could still play a role for the national team at next year’s home World Cup.
“She’s just a leader in every way,” Popovich told reporters.
“What she has done in the past is unbelievable and … she’s probably putting her hand up again for the Australian side and I hope to see her at the World Cup next year.”
Heyman, who has not played for the Matildas since 2018, admitted the showpiece tournament was in the back of her mind.
“Sometimes the body gets sore and doesn’t recover as quick as what I would like it to, but Polks (Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne) is still doing it and I’ve had a conversation with her,” the 34-year-old told reporters.
“It’s a lot harder now at our age but it’s always in the back of my mind. Imagine playing the World Cup on home soil, it’s something special.
“I’ll just keep enjoying my football, having fun with my team and then see what happens.”
It was certainly United’s day at McKellar Park, battering the hapless Phoenix from the outset and spurning a number of chances that could have run up a cricket score.
Wellington did not muster a shot until the 28-minute mark – by which time Canberra had eight, and five corners to none – struggling to find their footing in the nation’s capital.
“We’re pretty happy with that one … every coach will tell you the more pleasing thing is we didn’t concede any goals,” Popovich said.
“We’ve got a lot more to improve, and as I’ve said before, we’ll bury a bag full once our girls start hitting the target … I feel sorry for the team that comes up against us when we hit the target.”
United forward Grace Jale fell short in her quest to break the ALW record for goals in consecutive games, her six-match scoring streak coming to an end despite a glorious chance in the first quarter-of-an-hour.
It would have ensured she broke the record she shares with Sam Kerr and Larissa Crummer.
It was further pain for the Phoenix, who have now lost their first four games of the ALW season and conceded 12 goals in the process.
By Alex Mitchell in Canberra
