DUBBO'S Ashleigh Sykes will have one pair of eyes firmly set on her during this weekend's W-League grand final after Matildas coach Alen Stajcic confirmed the Canberra United star is in contention for a spot in the Australian team at next year's Women's World Cup.
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Sykes, along with teammates Michelle Heyman and Ellie Brush, are on Stajcic's radar and the trio have one last chance to press their claims for spots in the national team in Sunday's W-League grand final against minor premiers Perth Glory at NIB Stadium.
Stajcic will on Monday name his squad for a Matildas training camp at the AIS in preparation for the World Cup in Canada in June and July next year.
The Canberra contingent did their chances no harm with strong performances in last weekend's semi-final win against the Melbourne Victory.
Sykes and Heyman gave the Victory defence plenty of headaches in attack, while Brush overcame an ankle injury to put in a splendid effort in the centre of defence.
Stajcic is using the finals to assess how players respond to pressure in the big games with a view to the World Cup.
"There's a lot of effort that goes into big games like this, but doesn't mean you dismiss the form of the players during the whole season and the form players have displayed playing for Australia in the past," Stajcic said.
"I'm looking for skills that translate on to the international stage.
"W-League is well and good and it's very important, but more important is what skills will be effective at the next level."
Sykes has been on the fringes of the national squad, but has taken her game to another level this season.
The 23-year-old was named Canberra's players' player of the year and her pace and ability to take on defenders has turned her into a lethal attacker.
"I think she's improved as the season's gone on," Stajcic said.
"Players like that need to stand up in games like this.
"The more she can stand up the better it will be for her chances to get into the squad."
Stajcic said there were a number of Canberra players in the mix for Matildas selection.
"We'll have a few of them come in as guest players anyway even if they're not in the original squad," Stajcic said.
"I want to create a Matildas family over the next couple of years.
"Ellie Brush has been extremely consistent this year and has put her name down to earn another recall at that level."
Sykes' twin sister Nicole, who also has Matildas experience, will be another key figure in this weekend's grand final with the defender the captain of the United team.
