Luckily, Aussie coach Arthur Papas gave Goodwin a lifeline in 2011 and the attacking midfielder has shown the desperation needed to make it in the professional game. 

After being released by Adelaide United’s youth team, Goodwin’s talents appeared lost to the professional game while still in his teens. 

Given the 26-year-old’s devastating form this season, it would’ve been a travesty for the A-League and national team. 

But Papas’s network alerted him to the player’s situation. 

“With Craig, he’d been bypassed by the system,” Papas told ftbl.com.au, "But I came across him through a good contact in Adelaide at the time. 

"Craig wasn’t as physically developed as some kids at that age, but technically he was excellent. 

“So I met with him and his father and invited Craig to Oakleigh and within one session to be honest I asked the club to sign him."

The youngster got a job at a local KFC and began rebuilding his football career in the rough and tumble NPL Victoria. 

It was a recipe for his revival under Papas. 

Goodwin played in the 2011 NPL Grand Final under Papas, caught the eye of Melbourne Heart and later made the big move to Sparta Rotterdam before his sensational move back to where it all started in the City of Churches. 

Now Goodwin is one of the hottest A-League prospects and back in Socceroos contention as part of the train on squad announced today. 

“Technically great but also great mentality,” added Papas, now an assistant coach with Indian Super League table toppers North East United.

"He was desperate to be a footballer and that sets him apart - how mentally strong he is."

n the junior national teams, Papas worked with a number of players who’ve gone on to the national team and played overseas and in the A-League. 

Even then, Papas knew he had a gem on his hands. 

“He was comparable with those players in his technical ability and understanding of the game," said Papas. “He just hadn’t been given the same opportunity.

“And you can see so far in his career, every time he was given an opportunity in a difficult environment, he rose to it.

"Who can forget Heart coach John van 't Schip giving him his debut in the Melbourne Derby when he was best on ground?”

“I caught up with Craig in Holland about a year ago and it was a really difficult period for him at Sparta Rotterdam after a change of coach. 

“It was a World Cup year for Craig so that was difficult. He’d basically kept Sparta in the league the year before.

:But the new coach brought in some of his own players, which happens. And the difference in Europe it’s so much harder to get your spot back with the talent depth."

With just two friendlies between now and the Asian Cup in January, against the Koreans in Brisbane on November 20 and Lebanon at ANZ Stadium three days later, Papas senses Goodwin will take his chance, once again. 

He added: “He’s shown his character by the way he’s persevered since he’s come back to Australia.

“I was in touch with Craig last week and I’m just so happy for him. 

“And the fact he was working at KFC back then in 2011 and now he’s doing so well, it makes his story all the more beautiful that he did the hard yards to realise his dreams.

“Players can be bypassed at times but Craig is a good example that you should never give up when you face some adversity."