Rhys Williams admits he is relishing the opportunities given to him by Australian national team boss Holger Osieck.
The 23-year old Middlesbrough utility has been impressive at right-back for the Socceroos in their last two outings and says the chance given by Osieck will be taken with both hands as he strives to force himself into the German's plans on a regular basis.
"I love being in the team and I've worked hard to get here," Williams told au.fourfourtwo.com.
"And with Lucas [Neill] alongside me and Luke Wilkshire in front of me, I've got a lot of experience and help around me.
"If you look at the back four, three of us were 1988 birth years, so Holger is showing good faith in us but we need the older heads to help us along."
And Williams says he will not take for granted the life of a professional footballer who gets to travel to all corners of the world playing the game they love.
"It's all part and parcel of being a footballer," Williams added."It's something not everyone gets to feel, and it's a good feeling to have all these different climates and travelling all over the world.
"It's something you get used to and something we all love doing."