It's been an eight-month wait between Alessandro Circati's first and second international cap, and fans can expect to see an even more polished player when he steps out for the Socceroos against Palestine on Tuesday night.
Circati is set to partner fellow Perth product Cameron Burgess in the heart of defence as the Socceroos attempt to finish the current World Cup qualifier stage with a perfect record.
The Socceroos defeated Bangladesh 2-0 on an inconsistent pitch on Thursday, and they can look forward to much better conditions when they head to HBF Park for Tuesday's match.
With one game to go in this qualifier phase, the Socceroos are unbeaten across five matches and boast a for-and-against goal record of 17-0.
Circati made his Australia debut last October against New Zealand, and he has been waiting patiently ever since for his second cap.
But he hasn't been idle while waiting, helping his Italian side Parma achieve promotion into Serie A in the meantime.
"During those eight months it was a huge stage for me, obviously getting promotion into Serie A was a really important for me," Circati said after landing in Perth on Friday afternoon.
"And I think that played a huge part in my development as a player and as a person.
"I think that was obviously a big step for me."
Circati played his junior career at Perth SC before linking up with Perth Glory's Youth side.
The 20-year-old can't wait to play before family and friends again - this time in Australian colours.
"To play for the Socceroos here would be a dream," Circati said.
"It would be an absolute honour, an absolute pleasure to play in front of family and friends who haven't actually been able to see me play other than playing at the local Dorrien Gardens when I was 14, 15."
Burgess, who recently helped Ipswich Town achieve promotion into the Premier League, is also set to be handed a start against Palestine.
The Socceroos only beat Palestine 1-0 when they met in November in Kuwait, and Circati is expecting a tough challenge.
"They're actually a good team," said Circati, who also noted Palestine's particular circumstance at present due to the Israel-Gaza war.
"They have some good players going forward, very physical team and a team that obviously has a lot to play for with what's happening over there."
