After fitting beautifully into a Socceroos defence packed with players based overseas, late bloomer Jason Geria knows his impressive international form could put him in the shop window.
Geria was never called up under Graham Arnold and had to wait eight years after his 2016 debut, under Ange Postecoglou, for another shot.
The 31-year-old has been a part of his former Melbourne Victory manager Tony Popovic's preferred back three, starting on the right side of a trio with left-sided Cameron Burgess and central defender Harry Souttar.
Since Geria was substituted on at halftime against China, Australia have conceded just once - an own goal - in two-and-a-half matches with him in the team.
Geria spent three years at Japanese club JEF Chiba from 2018 to 2021 and knows good form can attract attention.
"I guess that (overseas interest) is in the back of any player’s mind," Geria said.
"Opportunities can come from these games - I’m well aware of that.
"I’m just taking everything in my stride and if those opportunities come, they come, but the focus for me is just the national team and Melbourne Victory. The rest will just take care of itself."
Geria's flexibility and calmness has also stood out next to highly-credentialed players in Burgess and Souttar, from whom he said he had learned greatly.
Burgess plays in the Premier League with Ipswich Town while Souttar is thriving in the Championship with Sheffield United, on loan from top-flight Leicester City.
Souttar was effusive in his praise of relatively new teammate Geria.
"I was aware of Jase for a long time, obviously had never played with him – he came into camp, and then came on second half against China and I thought he was excellent," Souttar said.
"We all know what he can do and just that leadership he brings to us as well … he’s obviously flying for Victory this year and scoring a few goals as well.
"He’s an absolutely great addition to the group, and I’m really excited to have him alongside me."
Geria relished a "special" night at AAMI Park, the stadium where he made his name, despite a frustrating 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
He is also confident both he and the Socceroos can keep shining under Popovic.
"I have a good relationship with him and understanding how he works has helped me ease into what he wants for the national team as well," Geria said.
"It’s been a pleasure to play with him again, and I have a really good feeling that he’s the person who's going to take us back as a national team to where we need to be."
