Despite only arriving in Canberra late on Tuesday – less than 48 hours before kick-off against Kyrgyzstan – Socceroos playmaker Tom Rogic says he's ready to start in his home town at GIO Stadium on Thursday.
Fresh from scoring a cracking goal for Celtic against Ross County on the weekend - one Rogic says "he won't forget" - the 22-year-old is now relishing another chance to add another international cap in front of friends and family.
Rogic has been like a new man this season after a tough first few years with Celtic, with the former Central Coast Mariners midfielder having played a critical role in the Glasgow club's strong start to the Scottish Premiership season.
And he cannot wait to show his home town what
"I haven't been back [to Canberra] for some time now but obviously my friends and family are here so it's good to come home," an upbeat Rogic told reporters on Wednesday.
"I feel ready to go. I'm feeling good physically, in a good space at the minute and enjoying my football."
Rogic will train with Ange Postecoglou's squad for the first time on Wednesday in their final session at GIO Stadium.
The left-footed attacking midfielder has been brilliant for Celtic, scoring four league goals in 12 games - including 11 starts - this campaign.
Defending champions Celtic lead the Scottish top tier by six points from Hearts.
Rogic paid tribute to Celtic manager Ronny Deila for showing faith in him during his first two-and-a-half years in Scotland, where he struggled with a persistent groin injury.
According to the young Australian, a chat with Deila at the end of last season sparked his strong form this term.
"He [Deila] just wanted me to know I had a future at the club and that he wanted to see me come in at pre-season for a fresh start and on par with everyone else in the squad," Rogic explained.
"That was good for me to give me that confidence to have a target in my mind of what I wanted to do and to achieve at the club.
"They were fantastic in supporting me over the last year and it was great to have that reassurance moving into this season.
"He's [Deila] been a great influence and helped me a lot. He's given me a lot of confidence to go out there and play and enjoy my football and I feel as though I'm in the right environment to do that."