McGowan’s call up comes on the back of a breakout season where he won Hearts’ Young Player of the Year award and helped his club claim the Scottish Cup with a goal in the final against Hibs.

The versatile Jambo ace, who will turn 23 on the day of the match, told his club’s website, "I am delighted with the call-up and really looking forward to the game.

“Hopefully we will get a good result on Sunday and then I can concentrate on the game on Wednesday.

“I know [Hearts teammate] Andy Webster is in the Scotland squad and it would be good to line up against him. He’s been a good influence on me.”

Less than a day before McGowan was named in the Socceroo squad, Scotland boss Craig Levein revealed he was considering him for the upcoming friendly against Luxembourg.

“I have got a game in November against Luxembourg and Ryan is one that I am considering looking at for that," said Levein.

"He has done well and he had a really good season last season and I would love to see him progress and do as well again this year.

“He is an exciting young player and we will see how that one goes.”

McGowan will be joined by fellow debutant Jason Davidson, who last season played six matches for Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo, predominantly as a central defender.

Davidson, like McGowan, has played for the Australian youth teams and is keen to make the step up to the senior squad.  

“In the past I have played internationals for the under-21 and under-23 teams” he told the Heracles website. “But this is the first time I have been selected for the senior national team. It’s great news!

“The manager called me last week and told me that I would be selected and sent me all the details. Everyone around me is happy, especially my father and mother.”

However, the young defender is not getting ahead of himself and is fully focused on Almelo’s season opener against VVV Venlo.

He added: “I'm going to concentrate on the first match against VVV on Saturday and on Sunday I will travel to Scotland.”