Basking in the glory of his club's first-ever Premiership win in their maiden top-flight clash would have represented reason enough to celebrate for players – not to mention everyone of a black-and-amber persuasion.

But for the Aussie ace – who was plying his trade in League One with Colchester this time two years ago – another career-high was just around the corner, a matter of three days after Hull's sunshine moment at the KC to be precise.

That came when the Perth-born winger was handed his full international bow for the Socceroos – coming on as a 62nd-minute sub in their 2-2 draw with South Africa at Loftus Road.

Small wonder the 26-year-old has been proud as punch this week.

Garcia said: "It's fantastic, I can't complain. I'm very, very happy.

"I don't think we could have asked for anything more than to start the season off with the win on Saturday.

"And to follow it up with my full international debut made it all the more sweeter.

"It was only half-an-hour, but it was a nice little taster. I'd been looking to get onto the full international scene for quite a while and luckily enough, it's happened now.

"Representing your country is always one of your main objectives in your professional career and it's such an honour to represent Australia."

With the World Cup in South Africa under two years away and the Asian Football Confederation qualification pool – including Australia – in full swing, Garcia may be timing his run to perfection.

Especially since national coach Pim Verbeek has publicly demanded that his players be regular performers in tough leagues – which presents a tremendous window of opportunity for Garcia if he cuts the top-flight mustard.

A debut for Garcia – who has represented Australia at various junior levels – was put on hold in the spring, due to City's involvement in the play-offs and a slight shoulder problem.

And after missing out on Socceroos' participation then, with the side busy in the Asia Cup in a frenetic first half of the summer, Garcia is intent on making up for lost time.

Garcia – part of a burgeoning Tigers' international contingent with Wales duo Boaz Myhill and Sam Ricketts and Hungary's Peter Halmosi on duty this week – said: "There have been rumours that I was going to be in the squad before.

"But the (Hull) manager (Phil Brown) thought it'd maybe be better to leave it and maybe let me get in at an easier time because it was a long summer away.

"But I'm glad I've wetted my feet now."

The west Australian – competing with Mark Bresciano and Mile Sterjovski for the right-sided midfield berth – added: "All my friends and family were cheering me on from back in Australia where they were watching the TV, so it's great for them.

"There are a couple of Perth lads in there as well, which is quite nice, such as Chris Coyne.


That's a bit of a comfort to me because I've known him for quite a while and it makes it a lot easier."

On the domestic front, Garcia is determined to make the most of his second chance in the top-flight having had a brief taste of the Premiership during his early days at West Ham United.

The grafter already has seen several of his contempories from the all-star Hammers' FA Premier League Youth Cup winning line-up of 1998-99 become household names – namely England internationals Joe Cole and Michael Carrick.

And while readily admitting that he wasn't ready for the Premiership during his formative years – when he made fleeting appearances for the Hammers – the winger insists he is now, as he aims to establish himself in a league he dreamed about playing and thriving in as a kid Down Under.

Garcia, who scored in every round in the Hammers' youth cup win, only to find himself picking up the pieces up the A12 at Colchester a few years later, said: "It was a completely different scenario then. I was younger and maybe a little bit more naïve and in awe of the league.

"But I've got a completely new outlook on it now and feel ready.

"This is where I want to be and it's the ultimate, playing in the biggest league in the world. It's something I've wanted to pursue and achieve since day one.

"Being the ambitious guy that I am, I came from Australia with a goal in my head to play in the Premiership and I feel better prepared now.

"Every game will be a highlight for me. I want to play as many games as possible and get as much experience as I can.

"I remember watching the Premiership highlights back home. But I didn't always see it because it was on so late at night.

"I was a Liverpool fan. But as soon as I came here, I became a West Ham fan. So it was one of those – I haven't really followed a team deeply, but it's obviously Hull City now!"

Garcia added: "It was great to start (against Fulham). There is huge competition for places here.

"The gaffer has got two people for every position, sometimes three, and it's up to those that are in to keep their positions.

"It was a fantastic win for us.

"We know we have to approach all the games the same way but, at the same time, you especially want to try and beat the teams that are going to be around you came the end of the season.

"That includes the likes of Fulham, Blackburn and Wigan, and they are the ones in which we need to get on the board that we need."