Six goals in 15 games, still no Socceroos cap: Is his time finally coming?

Zac Sapsford is doing everything he can to make Tony Popovic take notice following his latest exploits in Scotland.

Another game and another goal. This time against Scottish champions Celtic on Thursday (AEDT), and with the kind of finish that only strengthens the case for an international opportunity.

Sapsford’s glancing header gave the goalkeeper no chance in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Celtic Park, with the 24-year-old Australian striker continuing his strong start to 2026-27.

Goals in back-to-back matches, and six across 15 appearances in all competitions, along with an assist.

For context, Sapsford scored 11 goals throughout the entire 2025-26 season – his maiden campaign abroad.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers star is already more than halfway towards matching that return, and with the Socceroos’ 2027 AFC Asian Cup campaign approaching, the timing of his latest purple patch could hardly be better.

Because while Popovic prepares for the continental tournament – where Australia will meet Graham Arnold’s Iraq, Singapore and Tajikistan, the Socceroos have a noticeable void in attack.

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Mohamed Toure’s shoulder injury has cast doubt over his availability for the Asian Cup, with the Norwich City forward expected to remain sidelined until around January – when the continental tournament kicks off.

It leaves Australia potentially short of another attacking option at a time when Popovic is still assessing his squad, and more than 16,000 kilometres away, an uncapped Australian is making a compelling argument for consideration.

Sapsford’s latest goal was another example of the qualities that have made him increasingly valuable to Dundee United. He is a versatile attacking option, able to cover a number of possessions in the front third.

Meeting Lyall Cameron’s delivery in the first half, Sapsford directed a glancing header beyond Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and into the far corner. It was a finish that required timing, movement and precision rather than power.

Just days earlier, he had scored the winner against Aberdeen in a 3-2 victory. The opposition matters, too.

Sapsford has developed a habit of making his presence felt against some of Scotland’s biggest clubs, having previously scored against Celtic and Rangers during his time at Dundee United.

His latest contributions are not isolated moments against lesser opposition. They form part of a growing body of work in Europe.

His six goals so far represent a goal contribution almost every other game, an impressive return for a player still establishing himself in Scottish football.

The challenge for Sapsford is not simply scoring goals but demonstrating that his qualities can translate to the international stage. Deni Juric has been there before with the Socceroo.

In-form South Korean-based striker John Iredale is in the same boat as he looks to earn a re-call.

Yet Sapsford’s case is becoming harder to dismiss.

Dundee United head of recruitment Ross Goodwin recently questioned why the Australian had not already received an opportunity with the Socceroos.

“There was a point last year where I was quite surprised that Zac hadn’t been called up,” Goodwin told Football360.

“He’d scored a number of goals, and had netted in the big games. He scored in the Dundee derby, got the winner against Celtic, got a wonder goal against Rangers and was on the scoresheet in Europe against Rapid Vienna.

“For me, he was ticking a lot of boxes and I think he’s a real hope to go further and get that Australia call up at some stage.”

Goodwin also acknowledged the potential implications of Toure’s injury, adding: “With Toure possibly being out for a while perhaps the coach (Popovic) might want to have a look at some of his other options in his next camp. Clearly Zac has been doing himself no harm.”

It is an assessment that carries greater weight with every passing week.

Australia’s attacking options have been a recurring talking point, and the potential absence of Toure only adds another consideration for Popovic.

Sapsford offers a different option: a forward who has shown he can score against high-profile opposition, operate in a demanding European competition and deliver consistently enough to influence results.

Zapsford also carries momentum into Australia’s scheduled friendlies against Qatar and Jordan next month, if selected.

And he has never hidden his ambition to represent Australia.

“Everyone playing football, you just dream of playing for Australia. And for me, definitely that was the case,” Sapsford previously told Football360.

“I always wanted to play for Australia and hopefully one day that can happen.

“And I believe if I play as well as I can for my club, I’m sure that will happen at some point.”