STRAINING AT THE LEASH
Buddies star is hoping to book Qatar place with Socceroos
At the turn of the year Ryan Strain was in limbo. But at the end of it , the St Mirren full-back is aiming to be in Qatar playing in a World Cup.
The Aussie defender moved to Israeli side Maccabi Haifa last summer to experience European football.
But injuries and a lack of game time turned the move sour.
And this summer Buddies boss Stephen Robinson pounced to bring him to Paisley.
Strain has been excellent so far for Saints and last week was called into Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.
If he impresses in two friendly games against New Zealand, the 25-year- old could book a place in Qatar.
And performing on the world stage would be the pinnacle of his career.
Ahead of today’s Premiership clash against Celtic, he said: “I’m buzzing, it’s a massive honour to represent the Socceroos.
“I want to go there and impress because we have the World Cup this year. It’s a massive opportunity.
“To play at a World Cup – well that’s what you dream about when you start playing football.
“It’s the biggest stage you can be on.
“There’s the Champions League but I think the World Cup tops it . It would be unbelievable.
“I wouldn’t have believed it was possible last year. I had a few injuries at Maccabi and thought my chance had gone.
“But I’ve come here, St Mirren have given me a chance and I just have to keep trying to improve my form.
“I know that a lot of people are coming to watch Scottish football now because there are 13 Aussies in the league.
“That was one of the factors in my decision to come here – knowing the games will be watched. And I know there’s real competition in this league as well.
“I’ve been selected once before but I injured my hamstring so didn’t get a chance to play.
“But they’ve now said: ‘ You’ve got a chance, try and take it.’ From what I’ve heard, everyone will get some game time against New Zealand.
“It ’s just a case of me grabbing my chance.”
There is major interest in the Scottish game Down Under, largely thanks to Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou who Strain will try to get one over today.
Australia assistant boss Rene Meulensteeen has already watched him and Buddies team- mate Keanu Baccus against Hibs this season.
The St Mirren pair will team up for the double-header against the Kiwis this week.
And Strain can’t wait to wind up Paisley pal Alex Grieve who will be on the same flight over – but playing for the enemy!
Strain said: “Rene messaged me after the Hibs game and said: ‘ Well done, you played well – keep it up’.
“I set up Keanu for his goal that day, it couldn’t have worked out better as two Australians.
“I knew Keanu before I came here. We’ve been in Aussie Under-23 squads so we’d played together a few times.
“We’ll probably be travelling with Alex and we’ve been having a laugh about it.
“We’re flying business class and he’s in economy!
“We’ll be sending him a few Snapchats – I’m buzzing. I’ll maybe share my seat with him.”
But before they f ly to Oz,
Strain & Co must somehow stop Celtic and Postecoglou (right) in the league.
He’s well aware of the Australian coach’s impact at Parkhead and the players he’ll go up against this afternoon.
But Strain has family history on his side in this fixture.
His grandad Gerry Baker – a Buddies legend – scored for St Mirren against the Hoops in their famous 4- 0 Scottish Cup semi-final victory 63 years ago.
And he’d love nothing more than to get on the scoresheet himself today.
He said: “Everyone knows about Ange. He hasn’t managed me but I know he’s done very wel l here and now there’s interest from England.
“He’s got Celtic playing well so it’s going to be a hard game. But we’re hoping to pick up some points.
“We have to just play our own football. They’ll probably have more possessionsion and waves of attacks. But when we get our chances we haveave to be ruthless.
“It’s 11 v 11 so we have to be on our best gameame and hopefully get a win. I’ve watched Jota, he’s very good andd sharp. But I want to play againstst the bestplayers.bestplayers.
“I ’ m a goodood one v one defender so I’mm looking forward to that. It would be a dreamream for me to scorecore because I haven’ten’t got a goal yet..
“I know my grandad is watching down and very proud of me. I’m aware of the heritage I have here. It was another reason why I signed for the club.
“He played 81 games and scored 66 goals, s ome t h i n g r i d i c u l oouu s like that.
“He did very well here and if I do half as well I’ll be happy.”