Rejuvenated Simon aiming to win Matildas recall

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Rejuvenated Simon aiming to win Matildas recall

Kyah Simon is gunning to make her return to the *********** national team set-up in November, insisting her days as a Matildas forward are far from over.

Simon, who showed glimpses of recapturing her best at Central Coast Mariners last campaign, has moved to A-League Women rivals Sydney FC ahead of the new season.

Beyond her club commitments, the 33-year-old is eager to force her way back into national team contention after missing the entirety of the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury.

Simon has not played for Australia in close to 18 months and is not expected to be named in interim coach Tom Sermanni’s squad on Friday ahead of ********* friendlies later this month.

But Simon believes that if she can find form for Sydney a recall for home friendlies against Brazil in November is a more realistic target.

“With this window being over in Europe for me, (I’m not sure) whether it’s ideal to duck off over there and then deal with the travel and jet lag,” Simon told AAP.

“Especially with the consistency I’ve got in my training and the history with my body, it’s a case of risk versus reward because I’d only have two days leading into that first round (ALW) game.

“I’d love to represent Australia and I will always put my hand up but at the same time it has to make sense for the individual.

“I’ll definitely be sticking my hand up for the window after that in Australia.”

Simon said the chance to remain in Australia over the off-season meant she was able to enjoy a proper break for the first time in 16 years as a professional.

She estimates she has lost a third of her career due to injury and said she was keen to make up for lost time with Sydney.

“I’ve calculated roughly I’ve rehabbed for five or six years of my career,” Simon said.

“When you have something taken away from you it motivates you to strive to get it back.

“I’ve never been one to give up and that’s what’s kept me going… My body has probably been my downfall.

“With a strong foundation leading into the season it can hopefully give me a new lease in my career to kick on for a few more years.”

Meanwhile, Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight announced her retirement from professional football on Thursday.

Kellond-Knight won 114 caps for Australia.

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