Caltex Socceroos new-boy Dylan McGowan is still pinching himself. The side has arrived in Russia ahead of the Confederations Cup where they'll face Germany, Cameroon and Chile in their group.
And the former Adelaide United defender - fresh from signing with Portuguese club FC Pacos de Ferreira - can't wait for the tournament to start after debuting against Brazil earlier this week.
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DYLAN’S DEBUT DREAM
“It's still sinking in really,” said McGowan shortly after the team arrived in Sochi for Tuesday's game against the World Cup holders.
“It's probably the biggest point in my career so far.
“It's now a case of building on it and if the boss needs me throughout this tournament, just being ready and prepared to help the boys.
“You saw how good the Brazilians were - they're a great side and number one for a reason.
“Training with the boys these last few weeks, getting to know them all and working at the intensity we do here has really helped me prepare,” he said.
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MCGOWAN WANTS MORE
As one of four debutants picked by Ange Postecoglou (Danny Vukovic, James Jeggo and Ajdin Hrustic are the others), being in camp with Australia is a new and exciting time.
And being involved has McGowan hungry for more.
“I said when I came in this is the best set-up I've ever seen in terms of the staff and the preparation that goes into everything,” he said.
“Once you get a taste for it, you definitely want a little bit more.
“I'm fortunate to be in this camp and have such a long time [here] and be at such a great tournament like the Confederations Cup.
“I'm hungry for more and hopefully there's more to come.”
SOCCEROOS STEEL FOR SOLID SOCHI START
The journey from Sochi airport to the team hotel took them past Fisht Stadium, the venue for Tuesday's game against Germany.
McGowan says that got the juices flowing even more.
“It's a massive tournament - we knew that coming here and we really want to do well,” he said.
“Germany is just the first stop on this tour and hopefully we can get three points.
“The boss will set us up how we always do, how we always prepare against any opposition and that's to go out and play our football and take the game to them.
“I have every confidence that the team the boss picks will do the job,” he added.
