Herrington’s dizzying 264-day rise from Dolphin Stadium in Kippa-Ring
Just 264 days ago, Lucas Herrington was getting the run around from the Wellington Phoenix in front of 8961 punters at Dolphin Stadium in Kippa-Ring.
Brisbane Roar’s 3-0 humbling was Herrington’s last game in the orange shirt.
Lucas Herrington celebrates Hull’s win over Manchester United on August 22. Getty Images
The precocious 19-year-old now wears a similar shade of kit for a new team: the amber and black of Premier League surprise packet Hull City.
Herrington has graced Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park in the last 11 days and is now about to tackle Vinícius Jr and Brazil’s cast of superstars in back-to-back internationals in his home state.
“It’s pretty crazy... it has flown by,” the Queensland product told reporters ahead of the first Socceroos friendly in Townsville on Friday.
"It's been a great journey for me. I've loved every minute of it. Just trying to stay humble, keep working hard, and just enjoy the journey."
The dizzying rise started when Herrington was sold to the Colorado Rapids in a deal that the Roar says has netted the club a return of $1.5 million.
Impressive performances in the MLS, and then the World Cup, attracted interested from big European clubs and Hull won the fight with an Australian record transfer fee of $33 million.
Hull sit eighth on the Premier League ladder ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Herrington has played in every game and Hull have conceded just four goals in five outings.
He made his first Premier League start against Newcastle United in front of 52,647 fans on Sunday (AEST).
“Obviously, I’ve had to work and adapt to every scenario,” the centre back said.
"From Brisbane to Colorado to Socceroos to the EPL, it's all different environments, different training environments. You have to adapt to them all.
Australia’s Lucas Herrington played beyond his age at the World Cup. AP Photo/Eakin Howard
"But at the end of the day, it's just football and I just love to play football."
Herrington was particularly looking forward to a Suncorp Stadium homecoming against Carlo Ancelotti’s five-time world champions on Tuesday.
“I can’t wait. It’s always been a dream of mine representing the Socceroos in Brisbane,” he said.
"I've got lots of family and friends coming to see me play against a great opposition as well. It doesn't get much better than Brazil international-wise.
“So I think all the boys are up for it. I’m up for it, the coaching staff are ready, and I think Brisbane’s ready, and you know all of Queensland for that Townsville game as well. I can’t wait to pull on the jersey.”
Socceroos squad
- Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach, Jacob Chapman, Paul Izzo
- Defenders: Kealey Adamson, Aziz Behich, Kasey Bos, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Dylan Leonard, Harry Souttar
- Midfielders: Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler, Alexander Robertson, Patrick Yazbek
- Forwards: Eli Adams, Yaya Dukuly, Nestory Irankunda, Nishan Velupillay, Tete Yengi, Marcus Younis
Brazil’s Vinícius Jr celebrates during the World Cup. AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil squad
- Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otávio
- Defenders: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhães, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Júnior, Vitor Reis, Wesley
- Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimarães, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo
- Forwards: Endrick, Estêvão, Martinelli, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinícius Jr
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