Emerging midfielder Ryan Teague is ready to fill the huge shoes of injured Socceroos star Jackson Irvine in Australia’s cut-throat World Cup qualifiers.
Irvine confirmed this week a foot fracture had ended his season with both FC St. Pauli and the Socceroos.
The 32-year-old joins central defender Harry Souttar, Jordy Bos and Riley McGree on the sidelines for crunch World Cup qualifiers with Japan in Perth on June 5 and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on June 11.
The brilliant Irvine has been a mainstay under Tony Popovic, doing the grunt work in midfield while also pushing forward to score crucial goals.
Teague, who impressed on debut against China, is hungry for more and wants to step up as the Socceroos seek to secure a spot in next year's World Cup.
"Of course, I have to back myself," Teague told AAP.
"Obviously Jacko is such a big player for the team, but unfortunately, he's out, and it just opens up another opportunity for anyone.
"There's no guarantees in terms of who plays, who's being selected, and I'll just try and put myself in the best position to be selected, and that's all I can really do.
"I try to go into each game with the same mindset of being composed, trying to just do the simple things right, not trying to let the occasion get the best of me.
"I'm confident in my abilities. I know what I can do, if I can go out there and show it, no matter if it's for the Socceroos or if it's for Melbourne Victory or for whoever - (I) go with the same mentality."
Australia are three points clear of Saudi Arabia in their World Cup qualifying group, meaning a victory over Japan would all but seal automatic qualification.
Teague has had an interrupted month at Victory because of an ankle issue, with Popovic noting this week he was yet to hit the "high" standard he had shown against China.
But the Socceroos mentor clearly rates the 23-year-old, who is back in form, about to enter the A-League Men finals and has ambitions of playing overseas.
"He has a real calm temperament. He doesn't get fazed by anything," Popovic said.
"I didn't even need to or want to speak to him before the game.
"He knew he was playing the day before, and just went out and executed and was confident to get on the ball, which helped us a lot to really silence the crowd in the first half (of the 2-0 win over China).
"So him getting on the ball and controlling the tempo played a big part in that performance and result."
Teague played under Popovic last season and was crucial in Victory's run to the grand final.
He was adamant his relationship with Popovic wouldn't impact his selection chances, and is firmly focused on taking Victory forward.
"Obviously it's nice that he knows me, but at the end of the day, it comes down to me and how I play and perform," he said.
"If I don't perform here at club, I don't get the opportunity to perform at the Socceroos."
