And it is the culmination of a two year long battle to reignite a career ravaged by injury.

When Celtic’s Scott McDonald withdrew from the side, it was expected that Victory front man Danny Allsopp would be drafted in to replace him.

But after a scintillating start to the season where he netted two goals in three games, it was the owner of the most lethal left foot in Australian football, Mrdja, who received a long awaited call up to the national team.

Amazingly, for all his obvious talent in front of goal, Mrdja has never represented Australia at any level, youth or senior.

The 28-year old admitted he was staggered at his selection.

“It was a bit of a surprise, but at the same time I was excited. It’s definitely an exciting time for me and a dream come true from childhood,” he said.

“Every little kid thinks about representing their country and it has finally happened. I’ve just got to take it all in.”

Touted as the one of the stars to watch heading into the inaugural A-League season, Mrdja cruelly fell victim to a devastating knee injury in the final of the 2005 pre-season cup, ruling him out of action for over 12 months.

Though he made an inconspicuous return to first team football late last season, it has taken almost a year for Mrdja to return to full fitness and the form which earned him a reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in the competition.

But Mrdja doesn’t necessarily believe the call-up is a recompense for completing his injury rehabilitation.

“Yeah, I mean you can see it as a reward, but you can say that I’ve worked hard to get here at the same time. I’ve had a hard couple of season, and to be back playing and scoring goals is fantastic.”

Despite only arriving in Melbourne on Friday morning, Mrdja said he has had no trouble settling in with the squad, but acknowledged the leap in quality intensity that comes with national training.

“Of course the intensity is going to be higher," he said.

"It is all a bit relaxed at the moment but things are starting to get a bit tough although it has got to be expected as the boys have to get themselves ready for the game on Tuesday.”