Mabil has been selected for Australia's squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand. The 21-year old has represented Australia at Under-20 and Under-23 level, but has yet to make an appearance for the senior national team.

Mabil, now plying his trade in Portugal with Pacos de Ferreira, admits he has had to pinch himself being at the same camp as the likes of Mooy and Tommy Rogic.

"They are now setting the benchmark for the young players like me coming through," he said.

"Obviously I've been a big supporter of the Premier League and to see Aaron Mooy there, it's amazing. Tommy Rogic at Celtic doing very well in the Champions League also. This is amazing.



"I just came to the realisation yesterday when I was at dinner that I was sitting at the same table as some of these players, Timmy, all these players. It's amazing to be here, in saying that I just have to continue to work.

"The dream is to make sure that Australia goes to the World Cup and also in the long future that I can be doing my job for my club and also be more a part of the team here."

 

 


The Socceroos face Japan in Saitama on Thursday.

The match is vital in Australia's bid to reach the 2018 World Cup, but the winger said he is trying not to think about how massive the game is.

"I'm sure all the boys know how big an occasion it is," Mabil said.

"I think they're thinking it's just another game that's getting closer to the World Cup. We just have to go out there and do the job, just like a normal game, and then when we qualify we can celebrate and we know how big that occasion is.

 

 

 

"But first we have to take it as another job on the way and we have to finish the business."