The Newcastle Jets youngster has exploded on to the international scene in the last few months and has clearly caught the eye of Pim Verbeek. Now he finds himself required for both Olympic and senior Socceroo duty.

He will be looking to impress during the Olyroos opening games of the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia before flying back to Australia to prepare for the Ghana friendly at the Sydney Football Stadium.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. Hopefully Malaysia is a good tournament (for player and team).

“It’s going to be a busy few weeks. I suppose play a couple of games and then head back for the (Ghana)camp.”

Holland admits it has been something of a whirlwind few months as he first made the step up into the A-League, ending the year with a grand final winners medal, and then finding himself thrust on to the international stage almost as swiftly.

He joked: “I haven’t been able to keep up with it. No, it’s been good. I’ve just been training and working hard and everything’s been falling into place. It’s been awesome.”

The rapid pace of events is probably a blessing as it leaves little time to become nervous or apprehensive about each fresh challenge.

He said: “I haven’t really had time to think about it too much. You just get on with it.”

On returning from Malaysia Holland is looking forward to meeting up in camp with a player currently looking for a new home, one Harry Kewell.

Where the British press have chosen to put the boot into Kewell’s tale of Liverpool woe, Holland sees nothing but a ‘top bloke’.

He said: “I was alongside him when we played in Singapore. He’s a top bloke. He’s good and helps the boys, really down to earth.He’s a good professional and you learn from that.”