The midfielder, who broke through at Qatar 2022, is now a mainstay in an ever evolving line up which has this year alone seen the recall of Massimo Luongo, the emergence of Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Jordy Bos, Ryan Strain Lewis Miller, Sammy Silvera and Alex Robertson plus calls up for Mohamed Toure, Kusini Yengi and Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Amidst this dizzying array of new faces, Baccus underlined his own importance within Arnold’s architecture in conjuring influential performances in October’s clashes against England and New Zealand.

Imbued with the confidence of a player cherishing Premier League ambitions, Scotland-based Baccus welcomes the influx.

“There are a lot players making a name for themselves with their clubs - and that’s only going to benefit the national team,” Baccus told FTBL.

“Credit to Arnie and the staff, they always reward players in form and a lot of depth has been added to the squad since the World Cup.

“It’s all healthy competition and the camaraderie in the squad is second to none.

“We have strong players in multiple positions and that’s what you need for the long qualification journey ahead of us. You need 40 or 50 players to contribute to that.”

Whist Arnold is spoiled for choice at the back and in midfield, it’s upfront where the fabric is thinnest, where Mitch Duke, at nudging 33, remains the main man.

“Mitch is a great player and does a lot for the team and doesn’t get the credit he probably deserves,” added Baccus.

“He works so hard off the ball and makes himself a nuisance. When he does get a chance he’ll put it away and he’s shown that.

“But, as a team, we do need to work on our final third and score more. Especially against the bigger teams you need to take your chances when they come or you’ll be punished.”

Case in point was the 1-0 loss to England at Wembley, a game in which Australia fashioned a number of openings but lacked a cutting edge.

“It’s fine lines and there are plenty of things to work on, for sure,” continued Baccus.

Elsewhere, his St Mirren teammate Ryan Strain has broken through alongside another promising wingback in Lewis Miller.

“It’s certainly a headache there for the boss and that’s a good thing,” Baccus said.

“There’s a lot of quality throughout the team, and players at good ages aspiring for big things in their careers.”

Baccus, 25, is one of them. He’s off contract at the end of the season and sees a move to England as the logical next step as he continues for flourish in a St Mirren side punching above their weight in the Scottish Premiership.

“People downplay this league a little bit but it’s very tough physically and you don’t get a lot of time on the ball, and it’s hard on the body," he explained.

“I’ve been working on my strength to manage that. I’ve always believed in myself and I want to go as far as I can in the game.

“My dream is to play on one of the top five leagues in Europe. I’m coming off contract and I’d love to be playing in England within the next 12 months or so.

“The Championship is an attractive league and I’d back myself to fit in at that level. If the chance does come I’m sure I will take it with both hands.”