I BEAT BLUE BRAZIL... NOW FOR SAMBA ONES
COWDENBEATH ..... 0 ST MIRREN ............. 2
RYAN STRAIN hopes to swap playing against the Blue Brazil for a potential crack at the real Brazil.
The full-back played his first 90 minutes since January in St Mirren’s win over Cowdenbeath.
And the Australian is confident that shining in the Scottish top flight can boost his chances of lining up for the Socceroos at the World Cup, where the Samba stars will be among the favourites.
Strain said: “It’s my first 90 minutes since January for Maccabi Haifa so it’s great to get that in the legs.
“They’re feeling a bit sore but we had a lot of the ball so I didn’t have to run too much at least.
“It’s a big relief to be back on the ball again and getting the fitness up.
“Making the World Cup is definitely in my mind. Australia are there and I want to be there too.
“I’ve been out with the first team before and I’m hungry to do it again.”
Australian imports are becoming more enticing to Scottish clubs.
Hearts boast a trio in Cammy Devlin, Nathaniel Atkinson and Kye Rowles. With fellow Aussie Keanu Baccus set to join him in Paisley from Western Sydney Warriors, Strain believes their clubs will reap the benefit of a scrap for spots in Qatar.
He said: “Playing in Europe is huge for me. I could have gone back to Australia but I wanted to prove myself here.
“I know that I’m good enough to play here and I know I can challenge for that spot if I get regular game time.
“Nathaniel and Cammy are both in there at the moment, which shows it can be done.
“Obviously Nathaniel is another right-back as well. But hopefully if I have a good season with St Mirren I can stake my claim for that spot.”