Ryan Strain admits it’s been a long time since he played in a stadium like the Blue Brazil’s Central Park.
But the St Mirren defender is still confident that shining in Scotland can help him seal a place in Australia’s World Cup squad later this year.
The Buddies full-back played his first 90 minutes since January in the Paisley side’s comfortable 2-0 Premier Sports Cup win against Cowdenbeath.
While the pitch wasn’t quite up to major tournament standard, Strain fully believes proving himself in the Scottish Premiership in the next few months will give his chances of lining up for the Socceroos against Denmark, Tunisia and current holders France in Qatar a serious boost.
“It was definitely a different experience for me, but you’ve just got to adapt on any ground you play on,” Strain told Renfrewshire Live Sport.
“When I played amateurs when I was younger I played in places like this, but it has been a while since then.
“Especially when you’re playing cup football, you’ve got to adapt and that’s what we did.
“It maybe wasn’t our best performance, but we came away with the result and that’s all that matters.
“It’s my first 90 minutes since January. It’s great to get that in the legs.
“They’re feeling a bit sore, but we had a lot of the ball, so I didn’t have to run too much at least.
“My last game was in January in Israel for Maccabi Haifa. It’s a big relief to be back on the ball and getting the fitness up again.
“Making the World Cup is definitely in my mind. Australia are there and I want to be there too.
“I’ve been out with the first team once but, unfortunately, I got injured on the second day of the camp, just before a match against China.
“That was disappointing, but I’ve been in there before and I’m hungry to do it again.”
Australian imports are becoming more enticing to Scottish clubs, with Hearts boasting a trio in Cammy Devlin, Nathanial Atkinson and new signing Kye Rowles.
With Keanu Baccus about to link up with the Buddies too after joining from Western Sydney Wanderers, Strain believes the pathway is clearly there for Australians to kick on from shining in Scotland.
Strain said: “Playing in Europe now is huge for me. I could have gone back to Australia, but I wanted to stay and prove myself here.
“I know I’m good enough to play here and I know I can challenge for that spot if I get regular game time.
“Nathanial Atkinson and Cammy Devlin are both in there at the moment, which shows it can be done.
“Obviously, Atkinson is another right back as well. Hopefully, if I have a good season, I can stake my claim for it.
“I’ve got Keanu coming over here soon too, which will be another Australian to play alongside.”
