Two good years at Hereford - McClenahan

Former Hereford United defender Trent McClenahan is playing for Hamilton Academical at present and is hoping his current form will be good enough for a place in the senior Australian squad.

"At West Ham, I was continually told I did not have enough experience but the only way you learn is playing week in, week out, so I have no regrets about leaving them,” McClenahan told The Times.

“You have to make mistakes to become a better player. In England, at the top level, you have to be an instant success. Sometimes you need luck, or the timing has to be right.

“My game has definitely improved since I began playing in Scotland. Coming to Hamilton is another step forward in my career. I had two good years at Hereford and we won promotion to League One last season, but I wanted to move.

“Even in training at Hamilton, I could see right away that the standard and tempo were far higher than Hereford. I feel that in seven months here, my game has come on. The standard in the SPL is really good and it forces you to improve.

“I came straight from the Olympics, where we played Argentina and I was up against Lionel Messi, however guys like Andrew Driver, of Hearts, and DaMarcus Beasley, of Rangers, have given me the hardest time so far.

“Every player wants to play for their country and I want do it for Australia at the highest level. However, the depth of Australia's squad now compared to ten years ago has really improved. You have to be playing in Europe and you have be playing well to catch the eye. We have players in almost every league in Europe and it's why all of us come here at a young age to try to make a career.”

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