___   >>> click here to see the full roos squad train   

The Adelaide-born defender made the decision to move abroad in 2006 and join Scottish Premier League club Hearts, but it was not until last season that McGowan truly come of age.

McGowan was voted young player of the year at the Scottish Premier League club during a campaign which saw him net three goals and help Hearts to their first piece of silverware in six years.

And following his first call up the Socceroos squad for the midweek friendly in Hearts' home city of Edinburgh, the 22-year-old is keen to learn as much as possible while in camp.

"I'm just going to try and learn as much as I can off the senior players," McGowan said. "And try an impress if I get an opportunity, that might just be in training or if I get any game time.

"But it's more about learning as much as I can while I am here."

McGowan has been selected together with some of the Socceroos most famous names and admits he has to pinch himself.

"It's obviously a great feeling," he said. "I'm really enjoying meeting all the boys and boys that I've been looking up to growing up - Lucas Neil and Mark Schwarzer.

"You do have to pinch yourself, sitting there having a meal with them."

Hearts lifted the Scottish Cup in May after running out 3-1 victors over fierce Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

It capped of a stellar season both at a team and personal level for McGowan, and the achievement is something he will never forget.

"It will stay with me for the rest of my life," he said. "With there not being a Hearts and Hibs final for over 100 years, it really captured the city's imagination.

"And to sell out Hampden Park and see both sides full of hope then for us to win it the way we did is something our fans will never forget either."

   ___   >>> click here to see the full roos squad train