To see the Socceroos meeting the fans...

 
 
 
The two new Socceroos are in camp ahead of Wednesday’s final group game World Cup qualifier with Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park.

And for Ryan, only 19 years of age, just being a part of the Socceroos set up is blowing his mind.

So having Paartalu - who scored Brisbane’s last gasp grand final equaliser against Ryan to set up a memorable penalty shootout win 11 months ago – in his room has its challenges when talk of the A-League comes up.

“Yeah, there’s been a bit of a chat in the room with Erik,” Ryan told au.fourfourtwo.com with a laugh.“But it’s all a bit of fun."

Ryan played for Central Coast on Sunday in Melbourne in the 1-0 loss to Heart, and stayed on to join up with the national team.

He trains later on Monday for the first time with Mark Schwarzer after nervously introducing himself to the Socceroo superstar on Sunday night.

“I’m here training with Schwarzer who is my hero. To be honest not too many words can describe it. I’m blown away," he said.

“There’s no way in a million years I’d think I’d get the opportunity to train with Schwarzer. I’m blown away and just can’t wait to get out on the park."

Ryan was just 12 years of age when he sat in the stands at ANZ Stadium in 2005 to see Schwarzer pull off those memorable penalty saves in qualification against Uruguay.

Now, he’s a heartbeat away from actually being a starting keeper in the national team with just two keepers named for Wednesday’s dead rubber with the Saudis.

“I’ve just concentrate on my ability and what I can do but in my eyes, I’ll be looking at a guy who is my hero," added Ryan.

“I just want to learn off him to hopefully get to his level one day. And if I did get an opportunity I’ve just got to step in and do a job."

He added: “Overall I think I’m coping with it pretty well.”

Follow me on Twitter @aidothejourno

To see the Socceroos meeting the fans...