Star defender Trent Sainsbury impressed with the Socceroos debut of Joel King

It’s hardly a surprise that Socceroos rookie Joel King has earnt an overseas contract following his impressive national team debut.

Joel King is leaving Sydney FC to join Danish club Odense BK. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Denmark-bound Joel King’s Socceroos debut has left a lasting impression on star Australian defender Trent Sainsbury.

Just 48 hours after his polished maiden display for the Socceroos in their 4-0 win over Vietnam, King’s career hit another high when Sydney FC announced they had sold the 21-year-old defender to Danish club Odense BK.

“It’s a life-changing opportunity for me and I am extremely excited by the challenge,” said King, who will head to Denmark after Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Oman on Wednesday morning (AEDT).

Sainsbury, who was played alongside King on the left side of the Socceroos defence against Vietnam in Melbourne, said the rookie “didn’t put a foot wrong”.

Sydney FC has sold Socceroos rookie Joel King to Danish club Odense BK. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“He was fantastic,” Sainsbury said.

“I said to him ‘just take it easy, play the simple balls, find your rhythm, find your groove in the game, and once you get settled you can look for the more through balls and that sort of thing’.

“He really well for his starting debut.”

However, King is no certainty to keep his spot for the clash against Oman, with first-choice Socceroos’ left-back Aziz Behich again available for selection after being unable to fly to Australia last week due to a blizzard in Turkey, where he plays his club football.

Playmaker Ajdin Hrustic is also available again after missing the win over Vietnam due to suspension.

“The two boys have come in fresh-faced, Aziz and Hrustic, so it’s nice to see them in camp,” Sainsbury said.

“They’re looking fresh in training, so we\re going to be needing them in the next game – they’ll be key for us.”