CELTIC are not the only ones to benefit from Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in Scottish football 15 months ago.
The former Australia national team boss has been followed into the country by a horde of his compatriots, with 13 at the last count now playing in the SPFL.
Heightened interest back home in how Postecoglou is faring has also led to focus on the other Aussies, a situation reflected by the number of Scottish-based players named in the 31-man squad for the forthcoming friendly double-header against New Zealand.
With this being the last chance to impress manager Graham Arnold ahead of the World Cup, Ryan Strain wants to make the most of it.
“I'm buzzing, it's obviously a massive honour to represent the Socceroos,” said the St Mirren wing-back. “I want to go there and impress because we have the World Cup this year and it's a massive opportunity for me.
“I went once with the national team before but did my hamstring so I didn't get to play a game but they've said now, “you've got your chance, just try and take it”.
“From what I've heard everyone will get game time. There's one game in Brisbane and 11 will play there then another 11 in New Zealand, as well as a bit of rotation. So it's a case of grabbing your chance.”
“I know there are a lot of people coming and watching the Scottish league because there are 13 Australians in the league.
“That was one of my decisions about coming here - knowing it was going to be watched. I know there's competition in this league as well. I came to play as well as I could and luckily this time I got into the squad.
“Playing in a World Cup is what you dream about when you start playing football. That's the biggest stage you can be on. There's the Champions League but I think the World Cup tops that.
“It would be unbelievable. I wouldn't have believed it would be possible a year ago. I'd had a few injuries at Maccabi Haifa and I thought my chance had gone. But I've come here, they've given me a chance and I just have to keep trying to improve on my form.”
Club team-mates Keanu Baccus and Alex Greive will also be involved, the former also looking to gain a first full Socceroos cap while the latter looks to continue his good form for the Kiwis.
“We’ve been having a laugh about it with Alex because apparently we’re flying business class and he’s in economy,” joked English-born Strain. “We’ll be sending him a few Snapchats. I’ll maybe share my seat with him.”
Any gratitude towards Postecoglou for this increased exposure will be suspended this afternoon when St Mirren look to hand the champions their first league defeat for a year.
Strain’s grandad, Gerry Baker, was on the scoresheet when the Paisley side defeated Celtic 4-0 in the 1959 Scottish Cup semi-final on their way to lifting the trophy and now the younger man would love to make his mark in this fixture.
“It would be a dream for me to score because I haven’t got a goal yet,” said the former Maccabi Haifa defender. “I know my grandad will be watching down and very proud of me.
“I was aware of the heritage I have here. It was another reason why I signed for the club. He played about 80 games and scored 60 goals, something ridiculous like that. He did very well here - if I do half as well I’ll be happy.”
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