Ante Suto had never set foot on Australian soil until this week -- but come Friday he could be a capped Socceroo and heading to the World Cup.
The Hibernian striker was a surprise call-up for Australia’s final two home games before the global showpiece in North America this summer.
They face Cameroon in Sydney on Friday and fellow World Cup qualifiers Curacao in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Suto was born and raised in Croatia but holds an Australian passport through his father.
“It’s actually the first time I’ve been here,” said Suto. “All I can say is it’s much better weather than in Scotland and I’m happy to be here.
“It’s a great opportunity for me.”
Suto has three goals in seven games for Hibs since his move last month from Croatian top-flight side Slaven Belupo.
He is teammates in Scotland with fellow Australian international Martin Boyle.
Suto said he got goosebumps thinking about his rapid rise.
“When I moved to Scotland I started well. I expected to start well, but not like that. So it happened quickly, and I can’t be more happy than I am now,” he said.
“My job is to score goals and I’m good at it also, and hopefully I’m going to score some goals for the Socceroos.”
With Norwich attacker Mohamed Toure -- the EFL Young Player of the Month in February -- absent with a groin injury, Suto could well get to show his prowess.
Australia coach Tony Popovic said the games were “a final chance” to impress before the team heads to its World Cup base in Oakland, California.
At the other end of the scale, skipper Mat Ryan is set to earn his 102nd cap against Cameroon as he prepares for a fourth World Cup.
“I live to win in this industry and so I’m trying to put everything I can together to help the team that I’m representing win,” said the Levante goalkeeper.
“Whether that’s communicating or sharing opinions with someone about certain moments... first and foremost I need to make sure that I’m delivering from a performance perspective from my own side.
“Because actions always speak louder than words.”
Australia are in Group D and will face co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and a yet-to-be-confirmed UEFA play-off winner.
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