'It's really special': Delbridge relishing first taste of Socceroos camp

Harrison Delbridge’s footballing journey has been quite a unique one, built on resilience, grit and determination.

The defender had never received a Socceroos call-up until last week when Graham Arnold named an extended 31-player squad for a pair of friendlies against New Zealand, starting in Brisbane on Thursday night.

Delbridge forged his career in the United States playing college soccer before spending four years in the USL Championship.

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He later secured a move to Melbourne City and then signed for K League 1 side Incheon United.

“It’s obviously something that I’ve dreamt about for a long since being a kid and for it to actually happen and to get in and meet all the boys and all the staff, it’s really special,” Delbridge told Football Australia Media after training.

The ex-City man added that coming into camp has been a seamless adjustment, thanks to his teammates and staff.

“And everyone’s been really welcoming as well which has made it a lot easier so it’s been great.”

Now 30, the defender explained he had never given up hope of realising a childhood dream and was confident in his ability.

Impressing with his K League 1 club has certainly helped his prospects.

“I was confident in the work I’ve been putting in,” he said.

“When you’ve never been in the system all I can really do is focus on what I’m doing in my league in Korea right now.

“So just focusing on my play and giving myself an opportunity to be even in the conversation, when things happen your name comes up then if you’ve put in the work then you get the opportunities.”

Delbridge did admit his maiden call-up was something on his radar having been previously named in standby lists.

He is now focussed on making the most of his opportunity both in training and if he debuts.

“I think having been in the extended squad (standby list) a few times I knew their was a chance,” he continued.

“But you never know when you’re going to get that chance, so to have that opportunity I just want to make the most of every minute I get here.”