Adelaide United defender Ryan Strain wants to be part of the Olympic Games like his mum Lorraine Baker was twice

Adelaide United defender Ryan Strain has penned a two-year extension, and has his sights set firmly on representing the Olyroos at the Olympics in Tokyo.

Western United’s Alessandro Diamanti and Adelaide United’s Ryan Strain during the Reds 5-1 loss at Coopers Stadium. (Photo by Sue McKay/Getty Images)

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Adelaide United defender Ryan Strain is hoping his two-year Reds contract extension coincides with Australian Olympic Games selection which could put his family in a unique historical position.

Coventry-born Strain, 22, can represent Australia – according to FIFA eligibility rules – from June after residing in his adopted country for five years.

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Strain and his mother Lorraine Baker may be the first known mother-son combination to represent different sovereign countries at the Olympic Games.

That decision could be made by Olyroos coach Graham Arnold in the lead up to the Tokyo Games in July.

The US’ Robin Campbell (369), Great Britain’s Lorraine Baker (146) and Italy’s Gabriella Dorio (226) lead the pack followed by West Germany’s Margrit Klinger (124), Romania’s Fita Lovin and Sweden’s Jill McCabe (331) in the semi-final heat 2 of the women's 800 metres during the 1984 Summer Olympics at Los Angeles. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)

Baker represented Great Britain at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, finishing 5th in the 800 metres final.

She also competed at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

“My short term goal is to try and get into that Olympic team, if the Olympics go on because the coronavirus is a worry,’’ Strain said after locking down a Reds contract until 2022.

“I want to work towards that, I can see myself playing in the Olympics but it’s all up to the coach.

“I was meant to go to camp (last year) but they found out I wasn’t eligible before they went to the qualifiers for the Olympics (at the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020).

“Me and my mum we always talk about the Olympics and she would be so proud if I go.

“She talks about how good it was.”

Adelaide United’s George Blackwood, Nikola Mileusnic Michael Maria, James Troisi and Ryan Strain warm up before a 5-1 loss to Western United at Coopers Stadium. (Photo by Sue McKay/Getty Images)

Strain is also in another unique situation when it comes to eligibility for international football.

His late grandfather US-born Gerry Baker represented the US after he was raised in Scotland.

Gerry scored for Scotland’s St Mirren in a 3-1 in the 1959 Scottish Cup Final win over Aberdeen in front of 108,591 fans at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

He went on to play for Manchester City, Hibernian, Ipswich Town and Coventry City.

Gerry’s younger brother Joe was born in Liverpool, represented England and played club football for Hibernian, Torino, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.

“I can play for Australia, Ireland, Scotland and England,’’ Strain said.

“Hopefully one of them want me … bloody hell.”

The former Aston Villa youth player, also represented Modbury Jets before signing a Reds youth contract.

Former Adelaide coach Marco Kurz handed Strain his A-League debut in a round two 2-0 win over Western Sydney in 2017 where be became an instant hit and regular.

Aiming for his 62nd game for the Reds when they face Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday, Strain harbours huge career ambitions.

“It’s great to represent Adelaide United but I still have dreams to go overseas,’’ Strain said.

“I still have big dreams to go back.

“I know what it’s all about back there.”

Originally published as Adelaide United defender Ryan Strain wants to be part of the Olympic Games like his mum Lorraine Baker was twice