Perth Glory defender Josh Risdon doesn't regret his decision to stay in the A-League, despite his initial snub for the Socceroos' looming World Cup qualifiers.
Risdon was initially overlooked for Thursday night's clash with Iraq in Perth and next week's showdown with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
But the 24-year-old was included in Ange Postecoglou's 23-man squad on Sunday after England-based defender Bailey Wright was ruled out due to a toe injury.
Risdon's stocks rose dramatically following a breakout campaign last season and a move to Europe could have been on the cards if he wanted it.
Instead, Risdon decided to re-sign with Glory for another season, believing the time in the A-League would best set him up for a successful venture overseas.
"I never second-guessed it," Risdon said of his decision to stay in Australia. "The A-League's getting better.
"A lot of A-League players have been in the Socceroos' set-up for a number of years now.
"There's not as many games in the A-League and the season's not as long.
"But the competition itself is just as good as a lot of leagues over in Europe."
The Socceroos are ranked 57 in the world and are hot favourites against Iraq (113).
But Risdon, who has notched three caps for the Socceroos, says Australia won't be complacent against the 2007 Asian Cup Champions.
"They are the harder games -- the ones you're expected to win quite easily," Risdon said.
"We're going to go in fully prepared and not take them lightly."
Risdon, traditionally a right-back, isn't sure if he'll get any game time against Iraq.
But if he does, the West Australian says it will be a special moment given the game is being played in Perth.