Trent Sainsbury was the star attraction at Len Shearer Reserve on Saturday as anticipation for the Socceroos World Cup qualifier in Perth in September heats up.
Hundreds of fans lined-up to meet Sainsbury, an Armadale junior, who was on hand to sign posters and pose for photographs with the locals.
After missing the Socceroos’ recent qualifying win over Kyrgyzstan due to a hamstring injury, Sainsbury is hoping to be a part of the Perth clash against Bangladesh at nib Stadium on September 3.
Sainsbury, who was man-of-the-match in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup final win in January, is thrilled to have the chance to play for the green and gold in his hometown.
“Winning the Asian Cup in front of the Australian public was big,” he said.
“But playing in front of my friends and family back here in Perth, where it all started, is a massive thing for me.”