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Socceroos midfielder Ajdin Hrustic is ready to step into the international limelight after a breakthrough campaign with Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Australians may need to get used to hearing the name Ajdin Hrustic.
The midfielder might not be a household name but he is the only member of the Socceroos squad who can say he's scored in one of Europe's top five leagues this season.
The 24-year-old got off the mark for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt in May against Mainz, capping off an encouraging first season in Germany after his move from Dutch club Groningen last September.
Hrustic was one of the first players to arrive in the United Arab Emirates as part of Graham Arnold's 31-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait, Taiwan, Nepal and Jordan.
It's 18 months since the Socceroos last played and Hrustic says he's arriving in camp as a better player than the one that has made three appearances for his country - all as a substitute.
"It's been a long 18 months for myself personally, in a good way," Hrustic told AAP.
"I've been on the bench when we beat Bayern Munich.
"We beat Borussia Dortmund away and we were fighting for a Champions League spot.
"Unluckily we didn't get the spot but still we've got direct Europa League qualification.
"For me, it's been a great year.
"I've learnt a lot. I've think I've made a few steps in my career and for myself personally.
"Now I just want to take it out, what I've learnt back there, I want to bring it on the field here."
Hrustic's success at Frankfurt has been in stark contrast to many other Australians in Europe's top flight competitions in England, Italy, Spain, France and Germany,.
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan made just three appearances on loan at Arsenal after losing his starting role with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion while Mathew Leckie featured in just 499 minutes for Hertha Berlin in this season's German top flight.
While Hrustic isn't expecting to start in the Socceroos' looming qualifiers, he's confident if he's given his chance by Arnold he won't let anyone down.
"No doubt the move to Eintracht has made me a better player. Mentally, physically, and also on the ball," he said.
"It's always up to Arnie what he decides.
"He writes down the first XI and if my name's on it I'm ready to give 120 per cent for my country."
Australia resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against Kuwait at the Jaber Al-Hamad International Stadium with kick-off at 5am AEST on Friday, June 4.
