Jackson Irvine says all the hard work and sacrifices of his career so far are culminating in the "dream come true" of a World Cup with Australia.
The former Burton Albion midfielder is part of the Socceroos squad competing in this summer's finals in Russia, which get underway this afternoon, when the hosts take on Saudi Arabia.
It was during his one-year spell with the Brewers that Irvine became a regular member of the Australia side.
He made six appearances for Ange Postecoglou's team in their successful qualification bid while at Albion, including bagging his first international goal in the 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates.
Now, on the verge of the tournament, the 25-year-old - who left Burton to join Hull City for a club-record fee received by the Brewers in August - is relishing being involved in a World Cup finals.
"I was fortunate enough to be in Kaiserslautern for the game against Japan when Tim Cahill scored two goals (and Australia won 3-1), and in Munich as well against Brazil," Irvine told the Socceroos website when reflecting on his time at the 2006 tournament as an Australia supporter.
"I grew up a Socceroos fan going to all the games and being a part of those experiences.
"Now the idea I could potentially be on the other side of the fence and be out there playing, it is the dream come true.
Burton Albion catch-up
"It culminates all the hard work and sacrifice you have put in over the years.
"It's going to be amazing."
Irvine enjoyed a stellar season to help keep the Brewers in the Championship in 2016-17, before joining Hull last summer.
He scored 10 goals and won Albion's player-of-the-year double.
The ex-Ross County midfielder is now being tipped to start for Australia against France in their group C opener on Saturday.
"We're fortunate in our squad to have a number of players that have different qualities in the attacking third," added Irvine.
"All over the pitch, we can use our own individual strengths.
"There's parts of my game that are different to other players - maybe my energy and running in behind offers something different.
"You have to use your own individual qualities to try to persuade the manager to try to get you on the pitch to affect the game."
