Risdon found out on Friday he’d be replacing Preston North End defender Bailey Wright (injured toe) in the Australia squad for the matches against Iraq and UAE.

The 24-year-old Perth Glory right-back and new Melbourne City signing Tim Cahill are the only Australia-based members in the squad.

Coach Ange Postecoglou said upon team selection that the timing of the qualifiers didn’t marry up with the fitness progression of A-League clubs, with the season a month away from starting.

However, Postecoglou went against that logic in calling up Risdon.

“I guess it is a bit of a compliment,” Risdon said.

“I’m sure once the A-League season gets underway there will be a couple more players getting picked.

“If the chance does come then I’ll definitely take it. It’d be awesome to get some game-time.”

Risdon could play too, with makeshift right-backs Ryan McGowan and Milos Degenek his main opposition for a starting berth.

Despite being in the midst of pre-season, Risdon dismissed any suggestions he wouldn’t be fully fit to play.

“Definitely, we’ve been in pre-season for two months now,” Risdon said

“It’s been quite hard.  I think I’ve played probably six or seven games.

“We’ve had an overseas pre-season tour as well and we played some competitive games over there.

“I’m feeling very fit. If I do get the chance to get on the pitch, I’ll be up for it.”

Risdon might have been in Postecoglou’s original squad had he opted to leave Glory in the off-season with a number of European clubs circling.

The Bunbury-born defender decided to sign a one-year extension with Perth but an overseas switch remains on the radar.

“I’ve obviously signed for another with Glory and I’ll see out the remainder of the season,” Risdon said.

“If something happens beyond that, I’ll definitely weigh it up and see what happens.”

A switch to Europe would boost Risdon’s case at right-back, with the position arguably Postecoglou’s biggest weakness, with the likes of Ivan Franjic, Tarek Elrich and Jason Geria trialled there, along with McGowan and Degenek.

Given his Glory contract expires one year out from the 2018 World Cup, the timing may be perfect for Risdon, who is dreaming of playing in Russia.

“Obviously you want to be involved in the World Cup, it’s a big momentous stage to be on,” he said.

“All these games count and you want to try and impress and do your best any chance you get.

“Everyone will be wanting to do that. We’ll be fighting for spots come the World Cup.”