Harry Souttar will step foot on Australian soil for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury when the Subway Socceroos host Ecuador in a pair of international friendlies in Sydney and Melbourne.
It was November 2021 when Souttar ruptured his anterior cruciate at CommBank Stadium in a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia which threatened to dash hopes of appearing at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ for his adopted country.
READ MORE: Souttar selects dream Subway Socceroos five-a-side team
READ MORE: Looking back: Our last meeting with Ecuador
Fortunately, no such event ever transpired and the 24-year-old was back in time to play a starring role at the major tournament.
The towering centre-back was the lynchpin in defence and his impressive performances would culminate in securing a dream Premier League move to Leicester City on deadline day of the January transfer window.
Souttar spoke to Socceroos.com.au ahead of the matches against the South American side and was really looking forward to returning down under for just the third time, anticipating a jubilant atmosphere.
The fixtures kick off the Subway Socceroos' 2023 calendar in what is their inaugural games since the Round of 16 exit to eventual champions, Argentina.
Supporters are sure to be excited and those in Sydney and Melbourne, in particular, will have the opportunity to watch their heroes in action and celebrate their historic achievements in Qatar late last year.
"Obviously, it'll be better than the last time I went, obviously doing my knee," he admitted.
"So can't wait to obviously to get back out there, see everybody and playing playing for the fans because obviously I've only played two games in Australia in front of the home fans.
"So obviously after the World Cup it'll be amazing to see everybody and just an exciting time for everyone.
"I know that a lot of the lads families and stuff can come and see them and that - the ones that play overseas.
"So it's just a special time I was playing there. And minored means a lot to everybody."
READ MORE: Opposition Spotlight: Ecuador
READ MORE: How to watch: Subway Socceroos vs Ecuador
The key defender, who has 14 caps and six goals for the Green and Gold, was expecting both games against La Tri to be entertaining.
Now situated 27th in the FIFA World rankings, Australia has only previously faced Ecuador on one occasion which happened in March 2014.
The Aussies went down 4-3 at The Den in London that night, surrendering a three-goal first-half lead.
"It'll be a great game, obviously they're another South American team," he said.
"We played Peru in the playoffs there, so we know what South American teams are like, really physical, technical, good on the ball.
"It's gonna be a great game and it's an exciting one, obviously, for all the lads that are going to be selected."
Despite the fact both matches are just friendlies, there is of course the competitive element once crossing that white line and the referee blows his whistle.
Souttar is hoping the team can perform well and win as their focus shifts to the AFC Asian Cup (set to take place early next year but still to be confirmed) and of course another FIFA World Cup™ cycle.
The Leicester man was also delighted Head Coach, Graham Arnold, will remain in charge of the national team until the end of the next FIFA World Cup™ in 2026 after agreeing to an extension in late January.
"Hopefully we get a result and it just kind of kickstart this next three and a half, four-year campaign," he continued.
"Obviously great news as well with the boss (Graham Arnold) staying on and just gives us that bit of solidarity.
"Obviously we know the coaching staff and it's familiar and again that culture that we've had for the last three and a half, four years just kind of grows and gets stronger and stronger."
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS’ WELCOME HOME SERIES – MATCH SCHEDULE
Match Day One
Date: Friday, 24 March 2023
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Time: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SOCECU23
Broadcast: Live on 10 in Sydney and Melbourne, 10 Bold in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth, and on 10 Play and Paramount+.
Match Day Two
Date: Tuesday, 28 March 2023
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005E53BFD52417
Broadcast: Live on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Melbourne Two Match Deal
Subway Socceroos v Ecuador: Tuesday, 28 March, 7:30pm AEDT
CommBank Matildas v France: Friday, 14 July, 7:30pm AEST
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005E618FB73FBF