IT WAS only in May that Cameron Devlin made his first grade debut for Sutherland.
Fast forward five months and last week the 17-year-old played his first match for his country.
Australia's under-20s team finished second in their group behind Japan in Laos to qualify for the AFC under-19s championship in Bahrain next year.
Devlin, from Jannali, was outstanding for the Young Socceroos in their 2-0 win over Laos in their second qualifier.
The Young Socceroos also thrashed the Philippines 6-0 in their opening game before being beaten 3-0 by Japan.
Devlin said his first international call-up had been an amazing experience.
"I couldn't believe it when I saw my name in the starting line-up," he said.
"We did a video session before the game and to see my name I was just nervous instantly.
"Getting on the field and singing the anthem was just the experience of a lifetime, the best moment."
Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon was pleased with Devlin's first effort in the green and gold, singling him out as one of Australia's brightest against Laos.
"First half I think because I was so nervous my first few touches weren't so good," Devlin said.
"And then I just sort of settled into the game.
"I held my own and playing in those conditions and the 35-degree heat was just so hard.
"I thought I did really well and after the game at dinner Paul Okon got up in front of the whole team and said our two best players tonight were our two youngest and one of them was me which made me feel better."
Devlin has come far since May.
A bumpy pitch and a freezing cold night greeted the young midfielder as he came on at half-time for Sutherland against local rivals Rockdale City in the FFA Cup.
Sutherland were beaten 3-0 that night but Devlin impressed in his first taste of first grade.
Since then, Devlin has joined the Western Sydney Wanderers' youth team for a November season start.
There is a distinct Sutherland flavour in the Young Socceroos squad, with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Tom Glover, Sydney FC defender Alex Gersbach and Bournemouth shot-stopper Jordan Holmes all products of the shire.