James Jeggo says he has been working hard in training to impress Ange Postecoglou in a bid to make his dream come true - a Socceroo debut.
Jeggo was called into his first Australian national team camp in September for the World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Japan. The midfielder didn't get on the field in those games, but has received another call-up to the squad for the tie with Thailand.
Luke Brattan and Jeggo are the only two uncapped players in Postecoglou's side. The Sturm Graz midfielder has never represented Australia at any level and admits making his international debut against the Thais would be "massive".
"It’s something that I’ve always had in the back of my mind," Jeggo said.
"As its come a little bit closer it’s something I’ve really wanted to do and something I’ve worked hard for. All I can do is work hard and training and do my best, hopefully impress the boss enough to try and push for some minutes.
“You take a lot away [from your first camp], it was a pleasure to be in the camp and just to see the standards and the professionalism. Obviously you take away bits and bobs that you can improve on and take back to your club and work hard and hope you get another opportunity here."
Jeggo is competing with Socceroo skipper Mile Jedinak and veteran Mark Milligan for a spot in central midfield. The former Adelaide United man has enjoyed the battles in training and said adapting to the new set-up has been straightforward.
"You notice a step up from club level straight away," he said.
"Training is very quick and intense. But as a player you love and enjoy testing yourself at a higher player. It’ll be the same this time around. It’s a pleasure to train with players of this quality.
"It’s (adapting) dead easy. They give you everthing you need to succeed. They look after you. The boys are very laid back and everyone’s very friendly."
The Socceroos face Thailand on Tuesday at Rajamangala Stadium. Jeggo has arrived from the start of the European winter in Austria, and admits the humid and tropical conditions have been quite a contrast.
But the 24-year old is confident the Socceroos will have adjusted to them next week after many training sessions in Bangkok.
"It's obviously different," he said.
"It’s been really wet here and the pitches are quite heavy so it takes a bit out of you. From that point of view it’s something you need to get accustomed to, but we’ve had a long lead in to the game which is ideal. Come Tuesday I think it will be no issue."
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