Bolton Wanderers' Gethin Jones on Australia togetherness

The defender is preparing for the Asian Cup in Qatar, which kicks off against India on Saturday, January 13.

“Maybe formation and tactics-wise it is a bit different, but the way Australia want to play sounds like it suits me perfectly,” he said.

“We have worked on it in training and everything (Graham Arnold) has said to me sounds perfect, the way he wants full-backs to play. When I got the phone call, listening to them made my mind up straight away.

“Hearing them say they had come to watch me a few times and enjoyed what they had seen. It was a no-brainer for me to make the switch to Australia.”

Entering a new environment can be challenging for any player, especially during a major international tournament.

But Jones is relishing the challenge ahead and hopes he can make the most of any opportunities that come his way.

“It is nerve wracking, walking into a room and meeting so many fresh faces,” he added. “I already knew Harry Souttar before I came here but I have settled in really well.

“You can tell it is like a family nation, the boys are all good and the staff are brilliant.

Jones hopes he can show his leadership skills in the Australia camp (Image: Camerasport)

“It can be nerve wracking for a new person to come in but the environment makes you feel so welcome. I am really enjoying it and feel like I have settled in well.”

Jones played alongside Souttar at Fleetwood earlier in his career and kept in touch with the defender, who is currently part of the Leicester squad looking to make an immediate return to the top flight.

“I have known Harry for a few years now, I played with him quite a bit at Fleetwood,” he smiled.

“We work well together, he is a great guy and it is great to see him do well at club level and also for the Socceroos.

“It is the same for the other lads – the more I train with them and get to know them off the pitch, you create a bond with them.

Despite being new to the international set-up, the 28-year-old hopes he can show his leadership skills in the coming weeks.

“I have been at Bolton for a few years now and I am vice-captain there, so I am hoping to show my leadership skills on and off the pitch,” he continued.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the lads properly in training and games, and learn how everyone likes to deal with certain situations performance-wise.

Jones was born in Perth but moved to Wales during his childhood. He represented the Dragons throughout the youth levels and even captained the Under-21 side.

“I can’t remember how old I was (when I left Australia) because we used to go back every summer, but I do remember my passport ran out when I was about 10,” he recalled.

“I haven’t had an Australian passport for a long time but I got that sorted last year. I wanted to get it sorted because it was in the back of my mind that I wanted to represent Australia.

“Thankfully, I have been doing well for club and Arnie and Rene (Meulensteen) have seen something good in me to bring me into the squad.”

Jones added: “I had the conversation a few months back and it sounded like a brilliant set-up. The staff have been so welcoming to me and the players are great.

“I am hoping to repay that faith they have shown in me to bring me into the squad, keep working hard in training and hopefully do it in the games as well.”

The Socceroos reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup before they were knocked out by eventual winners Argentina after goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.

Jones has followed the national team’s progress closely, even though it can be rather difficult living in England.

“I love football and have been watching all the games,” he stated. “I have been waking up early in the morning to watch some games because of the time difference.

“I have loved watching the way they want to play and you can tell there is a good bond in the squad and between the staff.”