By Ian Rainsom

Santa Clara, California, June 29 (Reuters Sports Service) - After making his World Cup debut at the age of 18, Lucas Herrington hopes that stopping Mohamed Salah will be the next step in his rapidly advancing career.

Doubts surround the participation of Egypt's captain, Mohamed Salah, in the round of 32 match against Australia, after he suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Iran.

Nevertheless, Herrington, who plays in central defense, hopes that the former Liverpool star will be fit to participate in the match that will be held in Arlington, Texas on Friday.

"It's great to face players of this caliber," Herrington told reporters at the Australian team's training camp in San Francisco Bay Area. "In fact, this is the level you want to be at, and these are the players you want to face."

"So getting this opportunity, if it happens, would be something special, and I'm very excited about it."

Herrington became the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match when he made his debut in the crucial group stage game against Paraguay.

In only his fifth international appearance, he delivered a near-flawless performance in the goalless draw against the South American side, a result that ensured Australia would face Egypt as runners-up in Group D, rather than Germany had they finished third.

The Colorado Rapids player said, "That was the best moment of my life. I knew how important that game was, not just for us but for the whole country."

"I was looking forward to it eagerly. I had dreamed of this moment since my childhood, and I just wanted to live it and enjoy it."

Herrington may have other golden moments ahead of him in the near future.

Coach Tony Popovic's team is aiming to secure Australia's first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

Herrington has also recently been linked with a move to Barcelona, something that does not surprise his teammates in the national team.

Midfielder Conor Metcalfe said some players might be concerned about the promising player's decisions when he is under pressure in defense.

He added, "Nothing seems to really bother him, and he never seems nervous. Personally, I don't feel worried when he has the ball."