Hearts ace Nathaniel Atkinson plays full 90 on debut for Australia

Hearts ace Nathaniel Atkinson made his full debut for Australia on Tuesday evening as the Socceroos lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

The home side scored the only goal of the game on 65 minutes after a lengthy VAR consultation resulted in a penalty. Salem Al-Dawsari dispatched the spot-kick beyond goalkeeper Maty Ryan.

Atkinson started the game at the right wing-back position and played the full 90 minutes. He is the first footballer from Tasmania to play for the Australian national team since Dominic Longo in 1998.

The 22-year-old started down the same wing as former Hibs star Martin Boyle. A lovely Atkinson back-heel for Boyle almost set up Awer Mabil to open the scoring early in the contest.

Hearts full-back Nathaniel Atkinson in possession during his debut for the Australian national team. Picture: Getty

Speaking to Australian broadcaster 10 at full time, Atkinson said: “I felt like I was at home. I’ve been building up to this for a long time.

“It’s great to get my debut but every footballer wants to win games and we’re in a tough spot at the moment, but we’ve got to keep positive because we’re still in this.

“Making my debut, it’s obviously great for me but I think it’s more special for them (my family and friends) and all the sacrifices they’ve made.”

Former Hearts Scottish Cup winner Ryan McGowan was an unused substitute for Graham Arnold’s team.

It was the second disappointing result for Australia in as many games after the 2-0 defeat to Japan last week.

Victory from both qualification games would have meant automatic advancement to the World Cup.

Instead, they’ve finished in third behind both of their last two opponents and will have to face the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged fourth round tie.

The winners will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs for a chance to play at the finals in Qatar in November and December.

Atkinson joined Hearts from Melbourne City in the January transfer window. He’s played regularly for Robbie Neilson’s side since arriving as a back injury has hampered first-choice right wing-back Michael Smith.

Atkinson scored his first goal for his new club in the 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone last month.

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