Amini ready to prove his worth for Socceroos
After watching from afar for so long, uncapped Mustafa Amini insists he will make the most of his Australia call up for the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.
Finally rewarded for five years of assiduously absorbing Europe's football philosophy, first at German giant Borussia Dortmund, then in the Danish Super Liga, the 23 year old midfielder now has the chance to prove he is worthy.
The fresh face remains as cherubic as ever, but AminI's game is underpinned by a newly forged maturity as he prepares to push for game time against the Iraqis in Tehran on Thursday night (AEDT) and the UAE in Sydney five days later.
The AGF live-wire never doubted that a call would eventually come if he kept delivering for his club, and he will fly to Iran brimming with confidence and a belief that he can offer a compelling option for Ange Postecoglou in a midfield bristling with established stars like Mile Jedinak, Aaron Mooy, Massimo Luongo and Mark Milligan - not to mention the injured Tom Rogic and in-form Jackson Irvine.
"For me, the main reason for coming overseas was to crack the national team," said Amini, who has represented Australia at all levels except senior.
"It's taken time to get a call and it's been a long journey.
"They see I am ready now and hopefully I can prove to Ange that I deserve to be in the squad.
"Having been a part of the 17's, 20's and 23's, I always had hope (of being selected).
"Every time I missed out or was part of the extended squad I always kept working and waiting for that call.
"It's been a reward for all the work."
Asked if he might bring something extra to the mix, Amini - who has played right across the midfield during his two years in Denmark - said: "Every player has their strengths and weaknesses.
"I am going into camp full of confidence, and seeing what I can bring to the team.
"This camp will show where I am at ... to get this call for a World Cup qualifier is massive.
"Every player wants to play and I am just looking forward to meeting up again with players like Mat Ryan and Trent Sainsbury, from our time at Central Coast, and Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine and Brad Smith from the Olyroos.
"Now it's time prove that I am worthy of the call and if I am given my debut I will make sure I take my chance."
With Australia a point adrift of Saudi Arabia and Japan, who top Group B with 10 points apiece, at the halfway point in the race to Russia, Amini described the games against Iraq and UAE as "must-win" matches.
"I've watched all our qualifiers so far and I know for sure that while it won't be easy we have the squad to successful in both these games," he said.
Amini will be one of the later arrivals in Tehran after playing in his side's 2-1 home loss to AaB Aalborg on Monday morning (AEDT).