Opportunities are never easy to attain at the top level of international football but Andrew Redmayne's could arrive at the perfect time.
Redmayne, 30, is one of six potential debutants and 11 Hyundai A-League players in Graham Arnold’s Caltex Socceroos side set to face Korea Republic in this Friday’s international friendly.
Three of his Sydney FC teammates – Josh Brillante, Rhyan Grant and Brandon O'Neill – could stand by Redmayne's side at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, along with several others who ply their trade in Australia’s top division.
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Capped extensively at youth level for Australia, the former Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers man is soaking up every minute as he prepares to take the next step.
"It's been great, it's been enjoyable," Redmayne told www.socceroos.com.au.
"There are a lot of familiar faces from my time in the A-League. It's great to put yourself up against some like-minded players and some very high-quality players that Australia have.
"It's challenging and that's what you come here to do: challenge yourself against the best."
Mitch Langerak's forced withdrawal from the squad assembled in Busan means at least one of Sydney FC shot-stopper Redmayne and his Melbourne Victory counterpart Lawrence Thomas will win a first international cap in Friday night's friendly against the Taeguk Warriors.
And Redmayne – who was Sydney FC’s penalty shootout hero in the Hyundai A-League 2019 Grand Final win over Perth Glory – has hailed the influence of experienced goalkeeper coach John Crawley in helping the former Arsenal triallist to the brink of his Caltex Socceroos debut.
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Crawley, 47, works with the Hyundai A-League champions and also forms part of Graham Arnold's coaching staff for the Caltex Socceroos.
The former Colo-Colo shot stopper has also played a key role in developing Australian custodians Mathew Ryan and Danny Vukovic into established performers on the international stage.
"I owe him a lot for my career and obviously the last few seasons I have had, I owe him so much,” Redmayne said.
"He's such an immense figure in goalkeeping in Australia. His track records speaks for itself. I'm so lucky to be working alongside him.
"To have him in this camp brings a certain air of familiarity and I'm really relishing that."
