The Portsmouth striker started one game and came off the bench in another at the Asian Cup, as he looks to turn an understudy role into that of leading man as the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign unfolds.

Not short of belief or confidence, Yengi, 25, is part of a new generation of Socceroos out to make their mark, beginning - if he has any say in it - next month in the home World Cup qualifier against Lebanon.

Back in the club groove with League One leaders Portsmouth after Australia’s disappointing Asian Cup quarter final exit against South Korea, Yengi spelled out the extent of his boundless ambition.

Asked if he can bring a point of difference in attack for Australia, Yengi told FTBL: “Yes, for sure, I think people got to see that in the group game I started against Uzbekistan (a 1-1 draw).

“I showed a lot of different qualities in that game - holding the ball up and in bringing other players into the game but also getting in behind. 

“Then when I had the ball at my feet I was able to create goal scoring opportunities for the team.

“I’ve got a few caps now under my belt and I aim to get few more and obviously weigh in with a few goals to help the team be successful and qualify for the World Cup.

“I want to try my best to excite fans every time I pull that shirt on.”

Yengi is part of a new breed being ushered through by Arnold and believes a winning chemistry will emerge in months ahead and years ahead.

“There are some really good players emerging and I’m looking forward to building new relationships on the field and helping to create a new Socceroos dynasty," he added.

"Hopefully in future tournaments we can be successful and leave a legacy as a special generation of players. I’m looking forward to being a part of that.

“Most of our squad at the Asian Cup were overseas based and are playing a lot of competitive football and getting better all the time.

“Everyone is getting smarter, faster and stronger from that exposure - and you see the results of that not only in games but also every training session. The boys are eager and hungry to compete.”

Setback by injury after an electrifying start to life on the south coast following his move from Western Sydney Wanderers, Yengi has scored four goals in 14 appearances, 10 of which have come off the bench.

His bustling, hustling presence, and sharp footwork, has endeared him to fans, many of whom want coach John Mousinho to start him more often.

“It’s been a bit stop start at times - but I’ve been successful when I’ve been involved with goals and also the way I’ve been able to help the team perform," he said.

“There have been a couple of bumps in the road but I think the fans like me - there’s a good connection there and I think many of them would like to see more of me.

“I can feel that when I come on in games and I think I bring something a bit different. 

“My goal now is to convince the coach to start me more - and to do that I need to keep my head down and train hard and work on improving the weaker aspects of my game.

I won’t to be playing week in week out and when I do start the team is a little bit different to when I’m not there. 

“I just need to work hard to get more opportunities to prove to the fans and the coach what I can do and how I can help the team win promotion.”