Martin Boyle is one of the first names on the Socceroos team sheet these days but his route to the green and gold was more than a little fortutious.
The Hibernian attacker was born and raised in Scotland with Boyle representing the nation at youth level in 2007.
His prospects at senior level took some time to take off, however, with Australia able to swoop in as Scotland waited too long.
Boyle's move to the Socceroos in fact began with a joke between two Aussie teammates at club level but has ultimately seen the side land a star as they look to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
“Three years ago Mark Milligan and Jamie Maclaren were at Hibs and Graham Arnold came to our training ground to see them," Boyle said via FIFA.com.
"It all started off as a bit of a joke really with the two guys telling him that my Dad, Graeme, was Australian. Then he asked if I wanted to go to a training camp in Dubai and see how I got on.
"There had been some chat about Scotland when Alex McLeish was manager but by the time he spoke to me I had already committed to going to that Dubai camp with Australia and I didn’t want to go back on my word. I have never looked back.
"I hadn’t ever been to Australia before I played for them. I think it was a bit strange at first as I don’t think many of the guys had seen me play so it did feel a bit like a trial. But the manager put a lot of trust in me and it was amazing to make such an impact on my debut.
"I was never made to feel anything other than welcome by all the guys. I did have to slow down a bit when I was speaking as I am not sure anyone understood a word of what I was saying but they have all really accepted me and I think that is reflected in my performances. I feel completely at home.
"I am pleased with the goals I have scored for Australia but the truth is I actually think I should have had a few more.
"It just means the world to me to go way and pull on the shirt and give my very best every time I am asked to play. If that is scoring goals or creating chances it doesn’t matter, it is just all about the team winning."
Boyle has scored four goals across his first eight games for the Socceroos and has been in fine form at club level for Hibernian this season.
The 28-year-old has scored 10 goals across 14 appearances in all competitions for Hibs and is the current joint-leading goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership.