Richard Garcia ... '"It comes at a tough time for the club, but you never say no to the national team.' Source: News Limited
In-form Melbourne Heart utility Richard Garcia reports for Socceroos duty on Monday with mixed emotions.
Excited to have received his first Socceroos call-up in two years, Garcia feels guilty leaving behind his A-League teammates, who face a challenging fortnight almost certainly without him, Aziz Behich and Michael Marrone.
While Holger Osieck will whittle his squad from 25 to 20 for next week's East Asian Games qualifiers in Hong Kong, the Socceroos coach was impressed with Behich's debut against Korea a fortnight ago, and Marrone was in the squad in the home World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
Garcia, 31, was a regular under Osieck and was picked for the 2011 Asian Cup squad before another injury setback.
After dropping off the radar, Garcia decided to quit Hull City for the A-League and it has paid off.
Continuing in a more advanced role, his good form continued last weekend when he scored a brace although Heart let 2-0 and 3-2 leads slip to draw with Newcastle Jets.
"It's fantastic (to be back). I put myself back on the radar and they can see what I've got to offer. Hopefully the next few weeks go well," Garcia said.
"It comes at a tough time for the club, but you never say no to the national team.
"We've got a couple of important games coming up, but that's why every player in the squad is important - the depth will be tested but I'm sure guys that come in will do a great job."
Garcia started the season as a holding midfielder alongside Matt Thompson but in recent weeks has played further forward, either behind striker Josip Tadic or on the right wing - where he has played most of his career.
"I'm happy to score, but I'd rather be winning," he said.
"It's helped playing further forward. It's more natural for me. It's the story of my career really. I'm someone who can play anywhere and I've played in many positions accordingly.
"I know they're eager to keep me more advanced, but we'll just see how the season progresses.
"I'm happy to play anywhere but the attacking part of my game is better than the defensive side."
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