Kye Rowles dreaming of the chance to play for the Socceroos on the Gold Coast

For one Socceroo, Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Bahrain at Robina Stadium holds extra significance.

Kye Rowles admits he’s “speechless” about playing for the Socceroos at home on the Gold Coast.

The 26-year-old defender will start for a spot Australia in Thursday night’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bahrain at Robina Stadium.

“I love it here,” Rowles said on Wednesday less than 24 hours after arriving on the Coast from Scotland, where he plays his club football for Hearts.

“It is my home town so I am trying to soak it all in, see family and friends and enjoy the good weather.

“It is pretty amazing to be where I am today. I am honoured and humbled. It is a massive privilege to play for your country and to do it on the Gold Coast … I am speechless.”

Kye Rowles is thrilled about playing for the Socceroos on the Gold Coast. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images for Football Australia

Rowles was also almost lost for words when he realised that the driver that picked him up from the airport was a former junior coach of his.

“That was pretty special. It was 10 or 12 years since I’d last seen him so it put a smile on my face,” he said.

Victory over Bahrain would also make former Central Coast Mariners star Rowles, and the Socceroos, happy as they bid to start the latest phase of World Cup qualifiers on a positive note.

“They will come out full throttle and it will be a physical game. If we match them in that aspect then I think we have a good chance,” Rowles said.

“We just have to focus on ourselves and playing to the best of our ability, and hope the result takes care of itself.”

Rowles’ versatility means he could be used by national coach Graham Arnold either in the centre of Australia’s defence, or at left-back.

“I don’t really mind. I would play anywhere and do any job (Arnold) asks me to do,” he said.

“If I get an opportunity to be out there on the pitch with the boys, I am taking it.

“I am sure there will be a great atmosphere (at Robina). The fans are right on top of you and you can get that interaction where they are within touching distance. It is pretty special.”

Arnold said Rowles had done a “fantastic” job for the Socceroos in recent years.

“It’s not often that you get that opportunity to play in front of your family and friends at where you come from. so Kye will start (on Thursday) night,” he said.

“Kye’s always fit and healthy, and ready for anything.”