The youngster went to the World Cup, then became a regular in the Socceroo starting eleven during the Asian Cup, sealing his status by winning the player of the tournament award.

It was inevitable that he would leave his League One club Swindon Town at the end of the season, and while he was expected to make the jump to the Premiership he instead chose to prioritise regular football,  joining Championship pace-setters Queens Park Rangers.

As he prepares to return to the Socceroo side in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on Thursday, Luongo says he is happy with his choice after Rangers bright start to the new campaign.

"Its exactly where I want to be in the club set up. I am getting involved in goals and we are getting the results, hopefully I can take that form into Thursday," he says.

Not that Championship is an easy league to play in. Far from it.

"You never know what to expect, that's the problem. We have been 2-0 up in games and holding on for a result in the last minute. It offers a lot to deal with but the step up is a lot easier with the players I have been playing with and  the ones we have at QPR.

"It feels like I am a youngster all over again almost. In the starting eleven I am one of the younger players but I have to build everyone's respect up again. From the past five games I think I have done that."

All players need to feel that managers and coaches believe in them, and Luongo admits that his Asian Cup displays gave him the confidence to really believe he could make an impact at higher level and become a key component in the national team for a long time.

"It opened my eyes a little bit saying I am good enough for this level and push further in my career. Its given me a lot of confidence in my future.

"I love to come to these (Socceroo) camps and be involved in the set up."