Socceroos teen Herrington hopes for Salah test in World Cup round of 32

Australia's Lucas Herrington
Australia's Lucas HerringtonEloisa Lopez / Reuters

After making a World Cup debut at 18, ⁠defending Australia's goal from Mohamed Salah is the next box Lucas Herrington would like to tick in a ‌fast-moving career.

Egypt captain Salah is a doubt for the round of ‌32 clash against the Socceroos after suffering a hamstring ‌strain during the 1-1 draw against Iran.

Centre back Herrington, however, ‌hopes the former Liverpool stalwart will be fit to ‌line up in Arlington, Texas, on Friday.

"It's nice to verse (compete against) players like that. Really, that's where you want to be, ‌that's who you want to verse," Herrington ⁠told reporters at the ‌Socceroos' training base in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"So to be ​given that opportunity, hopefully, it'll be special, and I can't wait."

Herrington became the youngest Socceroo to start ​a match at the global tournament in a high-stakes group clash against Paraguay.

In only his fifth international, he barely ⁠put a foot wrong ​in the 0-0 draw against the South Americans, which ensured Australia would meet Egypt as the second-placed team in Group D rather than take on Germany as the third-ranked.

"That ‌was the best moment of my life," said the Colorado Rapids player.

"I knew how important that game was, not just for us but for the whole country.

"So I was looking forward to it. Obviously, I'd dreamed of that moment since I was a kid, and I just really wanted to embrace it, enjoy it."

Australia - Egypt win probability
Australia - Egypt win probabilityOpta by StatsPerform

There may be more golden moments for Herrington in the near future.

Tony ‌Popovic's side will bid to become the first Australian men's team to ​win a World Cup knockout match.

Herrington has also ‌been linked with a move to Barcelona, a development that surprises none of his teammates.

Midfielder Connor Metcalfe said some players might be nervous about a teenager's decision-making when under pressure in defence.

"Nothing really fazes him, he ⁠never looks nervous. I'm ⁠not nervous when he ‌has the ball," said Metcalfe.

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