They might have clashed in their days with the Young Socceroos, but Sydney FC striker Corey Gameiro admits he is now inspired by former teammate Adam Taggart's meteoric rise into the national fray.
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Taggart was a surprise inclusion in the Socceroos' final 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.
He played with Gameiro in Australia's youth set-up and now achieved what the Port Kembla junior hopes can one day become reality for him.
"I would love to be where he is. I am sure everyone in our under-20s team or who has played with him at the AIS would," Gameiro said.
"He is a hard worker. That is why we used to clash because we would go against each other and I am the same. I am competitive."
While Taggart's selection came as a surprise for some, it wasn't the case for Gameiro.
"If the top goal scorer in the country doesn't make the national team there is something wrong with our system," Gameiro said.
"He deserves to be there, there is no doubt and he has proven he can score goals."
After getting his chance on the European club stage with Fulham and FC Eindhoven, Gameiro hopes the World Cup can help pave the way for his former teammate.
"Hopefully he can get out there and get some game time and show some bigger clubs around the world how good he is," he said. "I am hoping he can get on and get some game time. If he does I will be the first one on my phone tweeting out to him."
