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Socceroos captain Maty Ryan believes newcomers Nathaniel Atkinson and Kye Rowles will only be better for coming out on top in a World Cup play-off match.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold's decision to start the must-win World Cup play off against the United Arab Emirates with Nathaniel Atkinson and Kye Rowles in his defence raised eyebrows.
Atkinson was making just his second appearance for the national team after debuting against Saudi Arabia in March, while Central Coast defender Rowles debuted last week in the friendly win over Jordan.
Despite their inexperience, the pair were entrusted with keeping out the UAE in a match Australia won 2-1 thanks to Ajdin Hrustic's 84th-minute goal.
Rowles, 23, came through well in a central defensive pairing alongside Bailey Wright, with regular starter Trent Sainsbury sidelined due to a knee injury.
Atkinson had a tougher night, regularly being outfoxed by lively teenage winger Harib Abdalla.
But the Hearts fullback also played a key role in Australia's first goal, winning the ball and releasing Martin Boyle before the Scottish-born winger's cross was turned in by Jackson Irvine.
Socceroos captain Maty Ryan says the experience of playing in and winning such a high-stakes game so early in their national team careers will pay major dividends.
"Exposure is key at the highest level, that's how you learn and grow as a footballer," Ryan said.
"Not every individual in the world out there has the capability to learn and grow as they face adversity and all those types of stuff and have that sort of exposure, but that's the key to moving forward.
"The likes of Nate Atkinson, obviously in the last game against the Saudis, there was his debut.
"Kye Rowles, making his debut the other night, and he's been a real steady, assured and real convincing figure when he's been out there playing in front of me.
"They're coming in and doing a great job and that's what's required at this stage of the campaign."
The back-to-back victories over Jordan and the UAE have gone a long way to changing the mood in the Socceroos camp after a run of just one win from their previous seven matches.
Ryan says the key now is to harness that mood heading into next week's winner-take-all play off against Peru, with a berth in this year's World Cup awaiting the victor.
"The coaching staff in the analysis have been spot on in nailing what's needed ... in order for us to be successful and progressing," Ryan said.
"That's credit to them and us as the playing group we're embracing it fully.
"Keep that winning momentum going.
"It's a nice feeling and we want to ride that wave."
