Ryan Strain revealed it will feel funny playing against his Aussie teammates when Hearts visit Paisley today.
But the flying St Mirren full-back insists it’ll be no laughing matter come kick-off with European football spots still on the line for both teams.
Strain has grown up with Hearts trio Cammy Devlin, Kye Rowles and Nathaniel Atkinson, forming a strong bond with the trio in Australia’s under-23 squad and more recently the senior Socceroos team.
While they get on like a house on fire on national duty, Strain is adamant that will all be put to one side as the Buddies hunt a potentially crucial three points at the SMiSA Stadium this afternoon.
Strain told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “It definitely is a must win game for us. It’s basically like a cup final.
“We’ll try our best to get the three points. It was a big loss for us against Hibs last weekend, but hopefully we can put that right against Hearts.
“I think there’s about five Australians all involved in the game tomorrow. It’ll be interesting, but obviously there’s no friends on the pitch.
“We’re all there for one reason, to get three points and hopefully we can do that.
“I don’t think there’ll be too much extra edge, we’re all mates but we’ll be doing all we can to come out on the right side of the result.
“I’ve known them all since under-23 camps and they’re all good lads. We’re close but that is put to one side.
“Cammy is a very funny guy. He’s a proper joker, but there’ll be no jokes on the pitch tomorrow, I’m sure.”
Strain was an unused substitute in Australia’s last game against Ecuador, having picked up his first cap against New Zealand last September.
The 26-year-old was gutted to narrowly miss out on a squad spot at the 2022 World Cup, with Hearts trio of Aussies all making it to Qatar.
The St Mirren defender is now determined to finish the season strongly to give himself the best chance of getting right back into the fold for Australia’s upcoming international friendlies.
He said: “They’re trying to plan the next few games now, they’re not official yet but there is definitely a camp coming up.
“Hopefully I can play well in the next four games and get the call-up again.
“I went to the last camp and didn’t get any minutes. I’d love to get there again and pull on the shirt.
“For now I’m just focusing on here and trying to get to Europe. If we manage that then that’s hopefully going to help my chances.
“I don’t think the Saints have got into the top-six for many years.
“To make it into Europe would be fantastic for us and for the fans. They’ve been amazing this year and hopefully we can do that for them.”
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