Ryan Strain's international debut for the Subway Socceroos was a year in the making.
The 25-year-old received his first call-up to the national team in August 2021 but a hamstring injury while in camp frustratingly dashed any chance of a senior debut.
Over a year later, his dream finally turned into a reality after coming on as substitute against New Zealand at Eden Park just past the hour mark.
In doing so, Strain became Cap #624 when he replaced Nathaniel Atkinson.
"It means the world to me and my family and yeah, it just was buzzing to get out there," Strain told Socceroos.com.au.
"... When my name got called up the second time, obviously I was buzzing and I said to the lads, it was so good putting on the shirt."
Following that injury with Australia, Strain's 2021/22 season with Maccabi Haifa was also hampered by a series of niggling hamstring issues which failed to properly recover.
It meant he could not secure regular playing time following his move from Adelaide United, and ultimately delayed his opportunity with the Green and Gold which Strain reflected on.
"I was absolutely gutted," he recalled. You know coming here it was exactly like I came here last time and then to get injured just before the China match was honestly heartbreaking and then having to fly out the next day go home and you know, rebuild again.
"And then obviously, I got injured again. And I just kept getting injured.
"But you know, two months ago didn't think I'd be like I said, sitting here."
Now in the wake of tasting international football, the right-back is hungry for more minutes on this stage.
"I'm just proud of myself, I just want more now," he said.
"I just want to try to get more and that's it."
Strain's change in fortunes coincided with a move to St Mirren, joining the rapidly growing Aussie contingent who ply their trade in the Scottish Premiership.
Strain attributes his switch to the Saints as being the catalyst for his latest call-up and getting his career back on track.
"Obviously my time on Maccabi Haifa wasn't great, but because of injury," he explained.
"But you know, two months ago, I'd never think I would be sitting here talking to you about making my Socceroos debut.
"So you know, 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."
The ex-United defender said the Australia squad was extremely accomodating too which made it easier to adapt to his new surroundings.
"The team has been fantastic. They've been very welcoming," he said.
"I've been here before, but I got an injury but like yeah, all the lads are great. The staff are great and it was a great week."
The objective now for Strain is to continue performing with his club side to make a case for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ selection.
"I just have to go back to my club now and try and perform as best as I can to try to get my name on that (26-man) list," he continued.
