In the news today because the Aussies want him.
Liverpool's rookie left-back Brad Smith is being heavily courted by Australia coach Ange Postecoglou as he seeks a solution to the Socceroos' problem position ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Penrith-born 19-year-old – who has already represented England at youth level - has so far remained non-committal over his international future.
But he told The World Game late last year he was keeping his "options open" and Postecoglou - currently in Europe on a six-week scouting mission to uncover hidden gems for Brazil – has arranged meetings with his representatives and Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers as he dangles the carrot of a possible World Cup call-up.
Smith, who recently returned from a long-term knee injury, made his debut for the Reds off the bench in the 2-1 loss at Chelsea on 29 December – having been an unused substitute the previous week against Manchester City – and he looked the goods in a 31-minute cameo.
Fast, direct and with a thunderous shot at his disposal, he is highly regarded at Anfield has been on the FFA's radar for some time.
Smith has British parents and returned to the UK with his mother six years ago, admitting: "It's hard to say whether I feel more English or Australian".
Postecoglou is hoping a charm offensive tweaks a green and gold patriotic streak in Smith – who followed Brisbane Roar in his early teens.
The left back spot remains up in the air, though the current favourite to be first choice in Brazil is Heracles' Jason Davidson, a regular for his club this season in the Eredivisie as he grows in maturity and effectiveness, and the man who got the nod against Costa Rica in Sydney last November.
But Postecoglou is not making any final decisions yet and he will cast his net far and wide during on his European voyage for a variety of positions to make up his final 23-man squad for Brazil.
Also high on his list this month will be scouting trips to watch League One Swindon Town's former Tottenham Under-21 skipper, Massimo Luongo, as the midfielder continues to impress.
Also, with centre-back spots up for grabs, as skipper Lucas Neill battles to find a new club, Preston North End’s 21-year-old destroyer Bailey Wright will also be watched.
Neither Luongo nor Wright have yet featured in a Socceroos squad, but both are keen to catch Postecoglou's eye.
However, it's believed that uncapped Millwall defender Shane Lowry and his Lions teammate, striker Scott McDonald, will not be monitored.
Celtic midfielder Jackson Irvine – who made his debut in October’s 3-0 friendly win over Canada in London – will be checked out as he extends his loan spell at Kilmarnock.
Aston Villa utility Chris Herd and Newcastle United’s Under-21 centre back Curtis Good can also expect to be watched.
Postecoglou will also jet to Germany to gauge the progress of former Gold Coast United and Brisbane Roar whiz-kid Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Mustafa Amini with Borussia Dortmund's reserve squad and Kwame Yeboah at Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Comeback midfielder Adam Sarota, who has overcome a serious knee injury, will also receive a visit as he continues his resurgence in the Netherlands at Utrecht.
Postecoglous eyes the March 5 friendly in Europe – most likely against one of the Continent's lesser lights – as the perfect stage to assess whether some of his targets can perform at international level.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1179194/Postecoglou-out-to-woo-Liverpool-s-Smith