Midfielder Tom Rogic admits he has achieved a childhood dream after an excellent Qantas Socceroos debut performance against Korea Republic.
His mere presence in the Qantas Socceroos squad was cause for celebration - his subsequent performance vindication of the hope Australia has for the future of outstanding midfield talent Tom Rogic.
The Central Coast Mariners standout was introduced to international football towards the end of Australia-s 2-1 triumph over the Korea Republic and showed enough to suggest a fruitful career lay ahead at this level.
“It feels pretty amazing and it-s a childhood dream of mine to achieve that and to do it here tonight is something special and I-ll definitely not forget it,” Rogic said.
“I was definitely feeling very nervous being out there, but I had a lot of good players around me to guide me.
“I-m not getting carried away, but, like anyone else in the squad tonight, you want to stay a part of the team.
“I-ll go back to my club and do everything I can to put my case forward and hopefully get a call up again.”
Having impressed in last month-s FIFA World Cup qualifying triumph over Iraq in Doha, Tommy Oar added a second assist in as many matches last night, underlining his value to the Qantas Socceroos moving forward.
The 20-year-old, currently blossoming in his third season in the Netherland-s world class Eredivisie competition, has begun to come of age as an Australian international and, like Rogic, believes he has much more to offer the green and gold.
“It was a fantastic effort I think, especially under the circumstances,” Oar said.
“We-ve only had one training, all together, and obviously a lot of travel for everyone coming here, so to get a good result was amazing.
“To be starting, I was very happy with that and to last the full game, it was great.
“Hopefully I can continue my club form and get a chance in the future.”
Goal scorer Rukavytsya, who earlier in the week underlined his desire to net his first strike in Qantas Socceroo colours, was another to press his claims for a regular starting berth.
With nine caps under his belt - two at a FIFA World Cup - Rukavytsya is hardly a newcomer to the Qantas Socceroos, but put in perhaps his best performance yet to suggest his best showings in green and gold are yet to come.
“I feel great, it-s always special to score your first goal and hopefully it will continue,” Rukavytsya said.
“It was a good pass from Tommy (Oar) and I just finished it.
“It definitely (the result) gives you a lot of confidence, especially when you beat a team like the Korea Republic, everyone is confident and everyone is buzzing after this win.
“I-m sure it-ll be a good confidence boost for the future games.”
The Qantas Socceroos return to Australia in 2013, for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia at 7.30pm, Tuesday, 26 March, followed by Iraq, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 18 June.
Tickets for both matches at Stadium Australia are on sale now through Ticketek or via phone, 132 849.