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."