The challenge for Norway-based midfielder Patrick Yazbek is to translate the faith of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold into performances, possibly starting in tomorrow morning’s Asian Cup warm-up against Bahrain in Abu Dhabi.

Called up for the October camp against England and New Zealand, Yazbek, 21, remains uncapped, and is bursting at the seams to translate the energy and endeavour he shows at club level for Viking to the international arena.

Already ensconced in the Olyroos set up as they chase qualification for the Paris Games, Yazbek’s elevation to the senior ranks comes after a whirlwind debut season in Scandinavia for the Sydney FC product.

“The last few months have been really positive for me - and I think I’m ready for this chance,” Yazbek told FTBL before heading into camp in Qatar ahead of the group games against India, Syria and Uzbekistan.

“I’ve been making some steps in my career, and (a call up) is something I had my eye on, not completely, but I did think after the camp in England I was a chance.

“It didn’t come entirely out of the blue and I didn’t stop training (at the conclusion of the Eliteserien season).

“If you’d told me 11 months ago all these things would have happened I’d have signed on the dotted line.

“It’s good to represent your country at any level and I do want to be heavily involved in the Olympic cycle - but the Asian Cup is obviously massive.

“I learned a lot from the previous call up and I think I can be a lot more settled now and I feel ready to take the opportunity if it comes (to garner game time).”

Arnold will doubtless look to use as many as possible of his 26-strong squad in the coming weeks, with Yazbek competing with Keanu Baccus, Jackson Irvine and Aiden O’Neill for minutes.

“There’s a quick turnaround between games and I believe in myself and believe I’m here for a reason,” he added. “I’m going to give it my best shot.

“I can play anywhere in the midfield but probably a box to box number eight is the best way of describing me.

“My role model is Jacko (Jackson Irvine) who is very effective at what he does and I really like the way he plays. This is a great opportunity for me to learn more from him.”

Adding goals to his game - a trait Jackson is famous for - is the next target for Yazbek, who netted two in 26 appearances for Viking.

“It’s something I’m looking at - that’s the plan,” he added. “As a midfielder you’re also judged on your goal contribution and it’s something I’m working on and hopefully I’ll keep progressing.

“The last 11 months for me have been great and this tournament is the perfect way to start the new year. 

“I’m hoping there’s a lot more to come - I want to stay on this current trajectory. As a team, we don’t want to sell ourselves short at the Asian Cup.

“I feel we have the quality to do something very special. It’s a young squad and I think we’re all ready for what lies ahead.”

Contracted at Viking until late 2026, Yazbek has aspirations to sample other European leagues as his career unfolds.

“We’ll see where it all takes me - but I have to keep contributing and playing well for my club,” he added.

“It’s a great club and they want the best for me, and that’s something I really appreciate.”