He may be short of game time since the end of last season but Tommy Oar can’t wait for the chance to make an impact with Town.
The 23-year-old is unlikely to start against Reading this evening but manager Mick McCarthy could be tempted to give the Australian winger his debut from the bench at the Madejski Stadium as Town look to return to winning ways following the 3-2 home defeat by Brighton that preceded the international break.
Oar has played little football since completing his contract with Dutch club Utrecht at the end of last season, his only taste of competitive action coming in two appearances for the national side, the most recent of which took place on Tuesday when he earned cap number 26 as a 78th minute substitute in the 3-0 win over Tajikstan in a World Cup qualifier.
It was long enough to gain an assist as he created the third goal for ex-Millwall and Everton star Tim Cahill, who had also netted his side’s second as they maintained their 100 per cent start to the qualifying campaign with a third successive win.
Oar represented the Aussies in Brazil last year and they look to be well on course for another appearance in the finals to be hosted by Russia in 2018. He said: "It was good to get a few minutes and I guess having not done a full pre-season with the team it was good to get training with the group as it helped to prepare me better for coming over here.
"There are still a few games left and if get through this stage there’s another round of fixtures. So there is still a lot of work to be done but obviously we have made a very good start. We have another game in October and then two more in November. It’s a busy international year but it’s always great to represent your country so I’m really excited about that.”
Oar put in a brief appearance at Portman Road prior to the international break and was back at the training ground on Thursday having clocked up more than a few air miles on his return trip to his homeland via Tajikistan.
But there is no chance of jet lag delaying his debut and he added: "I’ve been doing the journey for five years ever since I went to play in Holland so I’m very used to it now. I guess it’s just about doing all the right things to ensure you recover properly and I’ve learned to do that.
"Actually I feel really good. Obviously it will take me a week or so to adjust to things — different football, the training ground, meeting the boys, all that kind of stuff — but as far as the Reading game is concerned I’m feeling really good and itching to go.
"I just met the boys today [Thursday] for the first time and they were all very friendly and welcoming.
"I’m just really happy to be here and can’t wait to get started. I had a game with the Socceroos in June, a qualifier, and then I had the qualifier this week as well. They are the only two competitive matches I’ve played but I’ll be ready if required.”
Photo: ITFC.