Kye ready for Mbappe and Benzema thanks to Hearts care

The defender recently returned to first team action for the Jambos following a foot injury that saw him sidelined for nine weeks.

With the countdown to the World Cup looming, he put in the hard yards during rehab and that paid off with appearances in Hearts’ last three cinch Premiership matches, and a seat on the plane to Qatar.

Australia face France in their group opener on Tuesday and Kye is eagerly anticipating testing himself against the best in the world, even if he is still pinching himself at being involved.

Speaking at Australia’s press conference, he said: “It’s not been the most, I guess, perfect run in for myself but I know that once I put my head down and get out there the fitness levels…I’m not focused on that. I’m just focused on doing my job for the team.

“I had to come back super fast and there’s always a risk of pushing the limit a bit too much. I didn’t really have time for even a tiny setback, like three or four days. Hats off to everyone involved for getting me back to a playing level.

“I’m feeling strong and very fit. The guys back at Hearts did a very good job of getting me back up to the level I need to be. I’m just excited to get out there and hopefully get out there and perform the best I can.

“Once you get into the game ,and you’ve got the likes of Benzema and Mbappe around you, you don’t have time to think about how you’re feeling. You’ve just got to do your job and makes sure that they’re nullified as best as possible.

“It’s gone from the back of mind. I’m 100% ready to go. If I’m chosen then I’ll be ready.”

You can watch Kye’s press conference in full on Football Australia’s YouTube channel by clicking here.