Ryan Strain insists his switch to St Mirren has been a “game-changer”.
The Buddies wing back moved to Paisley from Maccabi Haifa in June and has hit the ground running, becoming a mainstay in Stephen Robinson ’s defence.
His impressive form in the Scottish Premiership earned him a first international cap for Australia, with the 25-year-old making his first appearance for the Socceroos in the last international break against rivals New Zealand.
Speaking to the Socceroos official website, Strain revealed he feels moving to the Saints has been the key to his reversal in fortunes, having spent months on the sidelines in Israel.
Strain said: “It means the world to me and my family. I was just was buzzing to get out there.
“I’m just proud of myself and I just want more now.
“Obviously my time with Maccabi Haifa wasn’t great, but that was because of injury.
“Two months ago, I’d never think I’d be talking about making my Socceroos debut.
“St Mirren has been a game-changer for me. It’s been a manager over there who has given me a lot of time to play.
“I just have to go back to my club and try and perform as best as I can to try to get my name on that (26-man) list.”
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