Susnjar has Serbian heritage, which made his path to Europe at such a young age easier than for most Australians. It also means we're lucky to still have him.

After leaving Perth at 13-years-old, Susnjar was first called up to the Serbian U/17 side seven years ago, but failed to cement a role.

His formative years were spent in Lithuania, Serbia and Romania - harsh, physical leagues played in freezing weather and largely derelict, sodden stadiums. 

It's a bildungsroman that few other Socceroos can boast, but it never quelled his desire, especially upon the appointment of Bert van Marwijk. 

"It’s not only me starting afresh, it’s everyone," Susnjar recently told FourFourTwo

"People that have been there, it’s a bit different, but when a coach changes it’s a different style of football and you have to adapt to that.”

“I spoke to a couple of guys from the federation who said I’m in the extended squad."

So, now that it's confirmed, what does his inclusion bring to the Socceroos?

Apart from necessity - van Marwijk required another centreback to fill the void left by Trent Sainsbury's recent injury - Susnjar's composed performances at the AFC U/23 Championship proved he's a strong, capable defender.

Trent Sainsbury's rapid development upon making his Socceroos debut in 2014 - at the same age as Susnjar - could be reason enough. The pair boast a similar height, build and disposition. They're both Perth youngsters.

But they've had a vastly different upbringing. 

After earning his stripes in the difficult Romanian Liga 1 - which has chewed up and spit out young-and-old Australians - for Gaz Metan Medias, Susnjar moved to FK Teplice, where he became a regular in the Czech HET Liga.

After greatly impressing for The Glassblowers, Susnjar earned a move to stable top-flight club Mlada Boleslav, the home of fellow Socceroos hopeful Golgol Mebrahtu.

It was crucial for his national team chances that he play regularly for the club, and he spoke to FourFourTwo before he made his debut.

“I’ve been training, preparing myself for it and getting a bit of a buzz," Susnjar said. 

“I’m hoping to make my debut, from how it’s been looking so far, I think I’ll be in the starting XI.

"I don’t speak to the coach about (starting) but from what I see on my end, it’s looking good to make my debut this weekend."

As it happened, Susnjar wasn't even included in the squad for his first match. He worked harder, earning a spot on the bench for his second opportunity, yet he didn't come on.

He worked even harder.

In his third match - a mere four days before van Marwijk's squad was released - he started and played a full 90 minutes against the Czech Republic's champions, Slavia Prague.

If that's a hint to the work ethic and determination the Socceroos are gaining, then this could be the start of something very special for Aleksandar Susnjar.