Former Liverpool youth player Jake Brimmer has switched allegiance from Australia to Malta.

Brimmer, 27, spent around two years for Liverpool’s youth teams between 2015 and 2017, where he got to play alongside the likes of Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Caoimhin Kelleher.

However, the attacking midfielder was released by the Reds in 2017 and has spent the rest of his career in Australia.

Although he has previously represented Australia at youth level, he never played for their senior team. Aware that his chances of turning out for the Socceroos are slim, he has decided to take advantage of his Maltese heritage for a shot at international football.

“Obviously growing up I wanted to play for the Socceroos, but I’m 27 now and perhaps that chance has passed me by, and this is a chance for me to play international football and be seen in Europe, which will hopefully help my chances of going back over there to play club football,” Brimmer said.

“I discussed things with my family and we felt this was the best decision for me.

“I’m entering the prime years of my career, and feel this is the right time to do this, and I’m happy with my decision.”

Brimmer said the Malta Football Association first approached him about joining Malta after he won the Johnny Warren Medal in 2022 as a Melbourne Victory player.

He turned down Malta at the time because he still believed he could receive a call-up for Australia. However, with time ticking and no call-up in sight, he has taken the plunge and switched his allegiance.

Malta are next in action on 4th September, when they play Lithuania away in their latest World Cup qualifier.

Cover photo: Liverpool FC