Recalled Caltex Socceroo Craig Goodwin feels he is a more complete player now than the one who got his first chance in the Green and Gold almost three years ago.
Goodwin is back in the senior national squad for the first time since making two appearances back at the 2013 East Asian Championships under former boss Holger Osieck.
Just 21 back then it was a huge occasion for the talented winger but now feels he is better equipped to make the most of this chance after a superb season with champions Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League.
“I’ve matured a lot as a player,” Goodwin told FFA TV.
“I definitely think I’m a better player than I was back then.
“Just going through a few seasons, you go through ups and downs and that just helps you mature and progress as a player.”
Goodwin’s superb season for the Reds – who took out the Premiership/Championship double, has seen the 24-year-old earn a dream move to Europe.
He will play next season in the Dutch Eredivisie, with newly-promoted Sparta Rotterdam.
“Moving to any new club it’s just establishing yourself as a starting player,” said Goodwin when asked the impact he hopes to make at his new club.
“Then from there trying to have as great an impact on the team as I can.”
Asked about the prospect of featuring against England’s array of stars at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (AEST), Goodwin said: “It would be fantastic. It’s the greatest honour in football is being called up for your country.
“If I can get some minutes and play against England it would top it all off.”
