The Sydney FC striker will play a part in the Olyroos opening two games of the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia before flying back to Australia ahead of the clash with the Africans at the SFS.

Playing for his country in his home city means everything to Bridge and he knows that a good display could help him to cement a permanent spot in Verbeek’s senior squad.

He said: “No matter where you play for the Socceroos it’s always big but of course in front of your friends and family will make it that much more memorable for you. I can only hope that I get on.”

Ghana provide the opposition and Bridge expects nothing less than a very tough encounter. Still, when the going gets tough...

He said: “I’m sure they’ll be a very good team. It’s up to the boys to stand up and show they’re capable of playing at international level.”

Before that there is the small matter of the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia. The Olyroos face Croatia in their first match on Friday night with games against Chile (Sunday) and Ghana (Tuesday) to follow.

Bridge said: “They are all good teams. We played against Chile in the under 20s and they were a very tough team for us.

I’m sure the others will be just as hard. It’ll be a good test for us to see where we’re at and hopefully we’ll do well.”

Then it’s full steam ahead for the Olympics in Beijing. It hasn’t escaped Bridge’s notice that Argentina have included Lionel Messi in their squad for the tournament this week.

It will be something of a reunion, the duo having faced each other before at Under 20 level, He said: “I don’t want to say this, he wasn’t the best player on the field for them at that time but he’s certainly one of the best players in the world now.”