If Thomas Glover becomes the unlikely piece that spearheads Melbourne City's A-League championship tilt, then they'll have Graham Arnold to thank.
After making an impressive club debut in Sunday's win over Newcastle, Glover is all but certain to retain the gloves for this week's derby against Melbourne Victory.
And the 21-year-old simply can't wait, having been forced to ride the pine for more than two two years since his unheralded A-League debut for Central Coast in 2017.
"I'm not going to sit here and lie and say it wasn't frustrating at times," Glover told AAP after City's 4-0 romp over the Jets.
"But I had to be patient and I had to be ready. (On Sunday) I was ready, we won, and, more importantly, kept a clean sheet."
Glover has long been earmarked for great things after joining Tottenham's youth academy five years ago.
The Shire product slowly progressed through the ranks and eventually served as a back-up to Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm.
Glover still scarcely believes standing between the sticks in front of Harry Kane.
"Those guys were unreal. I still pinch myself looking back at it, the players that you were training and playing with," Glover said.
He was then loaned out to the Mariners, where he made four appearances, and then Swedish club Helsingborg earlier this year, where he was barely used.
Frustrated with his lack of playing time, it was a conversation with Arnold that prompted Glover to seize an opportunity with City.
The coach and player have history, with the Socceroos coach almost luring Glover from the Mariners to join Sydney FC two years ago.
Arnold also selected Glover for Olyroos' qualifiers in March in Cambodia.
"I had a couple of offers overseas and a couple of clubs back here in the A-League but (Arnold) was big on City and me coming down here," Glover said.
"He's great with all the Olyroos boys and me especially.
"He helped me a lot in coming down here, giving me advice on what was best to do.
"For me, I want games and this was the best opportunity.
"I've done a bit of time on the bench and now it's about game time."