Socceroo Risdon's memorable Dhaka debut

From Bunbury United to Bangabandhu National Stadium hardly seems like the most glamorous summit - but for Josh Risdon, the obscurity makes it more memorable.

The 23-year-old Perth Glory defender will forever be known as a Socceroo after making his international debut in a World Cup qualifier on November 17.

But far from stepping out at a famous arena like England's Wembley Stadium, Brazil's Maracana or any of Australia's big stadiums, his debut came in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka at a stadium best known for hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup."It's an interesting one - I didn't think I'd make my debut there but it will make it more memorable in 20 or 30 years' time," Risdon told the _South Western Times _.

"At the time it all happened really quickly but it has now sunk in and I've been able to think about it and how good the experience was.

"Walking out on the pitch and experiencing the crowd and atmosphere was a great moment for me."

After absorbing that moment, things were about to get better for the hard-working and energetic right-back.

With minimal attacking threat from the lowly-ranked Bangladeshis, Risdon was afforded the ability to regularly push forward and in the 32nd minute put one of his many crosses into the box.

Socceroos legend Tim Cahill was there to finish the chance off and give Risdon his first international assist as Australia won 4-0.

"I have been idolising Tim Cahill since I was about 12 or 13 and it was just a bonus to get the assist," Risdon said.

Risdon was an unused substitute in a home qualifier against Kyrgyzstan the week before and got to experience being in a Socceroos camp alongside all the national team's stars.

"The way they go about everything is really professional," he said.

"They have a chef that travels around with the team and countless amounts of staff.

"If anything, it makes me more hungry to get back in there next time.

"I want to get as many international caps as I can.

"I have to work hard and if another opportunity comes, I will take it."

Risdon did not have any family or friends make the trip to Dhaka but spoke with several Perth Glory fans after the team's FFA Cup final loss to Melbourne Victory earlier this month who were travelling to Bangladesh, ensuring there were some familiar faces in the crowd.

The return to reality from his international adventure was swift, flying home from Bangladesh almost immediately after the match and arriving in Perth by early Wednesday afternoon.

He then started for Perth Glory in their 0-0 draw against Sydney FC in a match played in 34C heat, just four days after the Bangladesh match.

Risdon's focus is now on A-League duties and he succinctly summed up his club's start to 2015-16.

"It's two different tales - we did really well in the FFA Cup to make the final," he said.

"The A-League start hasn't gone too well but everyone is still very confident knowing results aren't far away.

"We want to make finals - that's what every club wants to do."

Risdon acknowledged there may be extra focus on him from opponents and commentators now he is a Socceroo but said "it's something I won't look into, I don't need to put added pressure on myself".

His hometown remains important to him, as does Bunbury United Soccer Club, where his two brothers play and where a big group gathered to watch the Socceroos' match against Kyrgyzstan.

"Bunbury United was my first club so I'll always have a soft spot for them and I still have a lot of connection to them," he said.

"They're like a big family and it's a great club - I love going back to watch every Sunday during my off-season."

Risdon flagged the prospect of finishing his playing days at Bunbury United once his professional career is over and also hopes to have an impact on building the sport in the South West.

"It would be great to know I've inspired other players," he said.

"It is harder coming from the country compared to the metro area and the sport is getting bigger and a lot more popular.

"It would also be great to have a Glory regional game in Bunbury to build up a bigger fan base."

"Bunbury United was my first club so I'll always have a soft spot for them and I still have a lot of connection to them" - Josh Risdon