BRAD Smith was delighted after he earned his cap for the Socceroos on Wednesday night.

The on-loan Town wing-back came on for the last 20 minutes with Australia 2-0 down to Belgium at the Stade Maurice-Dufrasne in Liège.

Though he could not prevent his country from losing, Smith was still very happy to have been given his first cap.

The 20-year-old also acknowledged the part his loan to the County Ground played in him being called up.

“Obviously, playing for Australia, it’s what me and my family wanted when I was younger,” said Smith.

“It took a while (for the paperwork) but I’m very happy to make my debut.

“I’d like to thank all the England coaches for what they’ve done for me throughout the youth level but it was always a dream for me and my family to play for Australia.

“That’s where I was always going to go. I was born in Penrith and moved around Byron Bay. Dad lives in Forster Tuncurry (Smith’s mother lives England).

“It was a big decision for all of us but it was the right one. I’m glad I made it.

“It’s hard being at Liverpool so young. They’ve got the Champions League and a very big squad. But I think the best thing was to go out on loan and get first-team football. It’s been a big help.”

Smith’s dream was nearly cut short, as the necessary paperwork for his international clearance did not come through until the last minute.

“I was waiting around all day and kept asking constantly to see if the clearance had came through,” he added.

“At the last second, I was told it came through and the boss and everyone stood up and clapped me and said ‘you’re one of us now’. It was a big moment.”

The pacey left-footer has been used in a more attacking role by Swindon than he was used to at his parent club. For the Socceroos, he was deployed more advanced still, coming on as a left-sided attacker for none other than Tim Cahill.

It left Smith happy, adding: “It was a surprise to be honest. It was a tough game and tough opposition. I think we deserved more from the game.

“I am usually a left-back but I’m happy to play anywhere for Australia. After the game, the boys all came up and congratulated me - they’re all good lads.”

Both Smith and club teammate Massimo Luongo travel to London as the Socceroos take on Saudi Arabia at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

  • SWINDON Town Ladies will look to build on their midweek success when they travel to face Chichester City in the FA Women’s Premier League Division One South West tomorrow.

Town will head to Sussex off the back of a 4-1 win against Larkhall Athletic on Thursday.

And manager Steve Robertson said that after two good league results they were looking forward to the game against a strong team who would be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

Town, who have been given a bye in the preliminary round of the FA Women’s Premier League Plate competition, gained a draw at Chichester last season, but were beaten 2-0 in the return.

Squad: Robyn Levett, Laura Morgan, Serena Smith, Beth Thompson, Lisa Coe, Sam Quinn, Michelle Rich, Chyna Collings, Alice Smith, Sarah Uzzell, Megan Attenborough, Ellie Maynard, Kelly Nightingale, Amy Baines & Sally Butterfield.