Scotland-born Socceroo Martin Boyle is dreaming of playing at the World Cup

Any divided World Cup loyalties in Scotland-born Socceroo Martin Boyle’s family have been quashed following the Scots’ 3-1 loss to Ukraine.

With Scotland’s dream of qualifying for this year’s World Cup over after the midweek defeat, Boyle’s family will now be united in supporting Australia at Qatar 2022 – should the Socceroos qualify.

“It’s disappointing for Scotland, but I’m sure they’ll bounce back,” Boyle said from Qatar, where the Socceroos are preparing for Wednesday morning’s do-or-die World Cup playoff against the United Arab Emirates.

“My full focus is only on Australia and being here.”

Despite being born in the Scottish city of Aberdeen, Boyle was able to declare his international footballing allegiance to the Socceroos courtesy of his father being born in Australia.

Debuting for the Socceroos in 2018, attacking weapon Boyle has scored five goals in 16 appearances in the green and gold.

“I’ve got dual nationality. My family’s a bit split, but the idea of qualifying for a World Cup, considering where I’ve come from in my career, I’d say that’s a bit surreal,” Boyle said.

“Making the change, I don’t regret anything that I’ve done.

“(The Socceroos) have made me feel welcome. I’d like to think that every time I’ve put on the jersey I’ve given 100 per cent, and I’ve done quite well.

“But these games coming up, this is where you can definitely make yourself a legend and put your name in the books.

“Qualifying for a World Cup, there’s a lot of people in this team that have done it.

“To see yourself there, and make your family proud and the nation proud – that’s exactly where I want to be.”

Boyle, who left Scottish club Hibernian in January to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Faisaly, didn’t play in Australia’s 2-1 friendly win over Jordan on Thursday morning (AEDT).

However, he’s all but certain to start against the UAE in a match the Socceroos must win to advance to the following week’s intercontinental playoff against Peru, from which the winner will qualify for the November-December World Cup.

“I know how challenging it’s going to be ... and I’d like to play a big part in the games to come and hopefully I can make a stamp (on the matches),” Boyle said.

“I’m sure when the game comes (on Wednesday morning) we’ll be all fired up. If we’re all at it, then I’m fairly confident that we can get the result and progress through to the next game.”