Keanu Baccus believes the close connection between the Subway Olyroos and Subway Socceroos has helped make the transition to the senior team rather seamless.
The 24-year-old was the last of six debutants who featured in a friendly against New Zealand at Eden Park, becoming Cap #628.
Baccus was also one of several in the recent squad that appeared for Australia U23s at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last year, which was coached by Graham Arnold.
"I think it's helped massively, I think he (Graham Arnold) has had a lot of time with us and watching us train and play and you know, the Olympic tournament qualifiers and everything," he told Socceroos.com.au.
"So it's been great to to have him there and watching such a close link to the Socceroos."
In Japan, the Subway Olyroos kicked off their tournament with a surprise 2-0 win over 10-man Argentina before suffering a pair of defeats to Spain and Egypt.
The defensive midfielder, who came on in all three matches, said it was an excellent learning experience.
"I think all those games were pretty special," he said.
"You know, it's a great experience and I think we shocked a few people with that first win and we went on to do alright and could it could have been better."
Baccus revealed it was an enormous honour to represent Australia and now be in such revered company.
He recalls watching and being inspired by a number of Subway Socceroos heroes.
"I think it was really young probably five, six, kicking the ball around having fun having a laugh with my mates and and you look at the greats that were playing," he said.
"And I think Mark Schwarzer. I was really young, and he was playing football at that time.
"Tim Cahill obviously stood out a lot, scoring a lot of goals for the country. (Mark) Bresciano was a great player, there's a lot a lot of good players. (Vince) Grella was good in the middle; (Mark) Viduka, Harry Kewell.
"There's actually so many to name which is great. It's great to be a part of that history.
"... You don't know at that time that you could make a career and make a living out of it. But once you get older, you realise that that's possible and it's a dream come true."
During the European summer, Baccus joined Scottish Premiership side St Mirren from Western Sydney Wanderers, with his promising form ultimately earning a call-up.
Baccus stated it was a very proud moment for him once he stepped onto the pitch.
"I'm over the moon, I was obviously warming up, you know, probably from halftime itching to get out there waiting for my turn waiting for my name to get called," he recapped.
"I was buzzing and had a big smile on my face and just just wanted to show people what I could do in that short time and just wanted to do my best.
"I think there's healthy competition, a lot of boys to choose from, you know (now) just got to go back and do the best for the club and perform as best I can.
"Hopefully, you know, the rest takes care of itself."
