Graham Arnold calls Nathaniel Atkinson into Socceroos after Heart of Midlothian form

Graham Arnold selected the Heart of Midlothian fullback as part of the national squad for the side's games against Japan in Sydney next Thursday and Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City the following week.

The 22-year-old's selection in the Socceroos camp means he could be in line for a possible international debut alongside the likes of Perth Glory's Bruno Fornaroli, who also recently graced the pitches of Riverside Olympic and UTAS Stadium.

"I am energised by the messages that I have received from the boys over the past two days after they were notified of their selections," Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said.

"That it means as much to a Bruno (Fornaroli), Nathaniel (Atkinson), Nick (D'Agostino), Kye (Rowles), or Gianni (Stensness), players who have yet to take the pitch for Australia, as it does for a Maty (Ryan) or 'Lecks' (Mathew Leckie) highlights to me that they can't wait to be back together."

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With a play-off spot already confirmed for the Socceroos, the fixtures against Japan and Saudi Arabia could earn the side a direct path to the World Cup in Qatar.

"The players will be able to come to camp with clear minds as to what's ahead of them, and enjoy the time that they have working hard together and playing in front of their family, friends, and fans," Arnold said.

Atkinson, who has long-held ambitions to don the Socceroos jersey, impressed on-lookers with his performances with the Olyroos at Tokyo which was coached by Arnold.

The Socceroos boss made no secret that those Tokyo performances had been a factor in selection of an extended squad for the upcoming international fixtures.

If Atkinson does grace the field at Stadium Australia or in Saudi Arabia it would be the confirmation of a lifelong dream which began on the pitches of Riverside Olympic as a youngster.

The defender joined Tasmania's National Training Centre, and was scouted by Melbourne City youth coaches in 2015 before going on to play for City over 100 times in the NPL and A-League Men's combined.

Atkinson's form secured a move to Hearts on a three-and-a-half year deal where he has been a regular starter, scoring once and helping the Jam Tarts to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

Football Tasmania chief executive Matt Bulkeley labelled Atkinson's a trailblazer for his efforts which have seen him rise from Tasmania to the soccer-centric stage of Europe.

"To now be selected to represent his country in two crucial matches is an extraordinary achievement, and on behalf of the Tasmanian football community I wish him the very best," he said.

"We hope to see him make the pitch and make a big impact on the matches, but even if he doesn't he has still done himself, his family and his state proud."

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