Determined to show how he has benefited from his three seasons on the books of German giant Borussia Dortmund as he takes centre stage for his new club, Amini, 22, hit the ground running to set up his team’s goal in its first pre-season clash against top-flight Swedish team Hacken FC in Gothenburg.
The game ended 1-1 and Australia Under-23 international, who played in a right-sided midfield role, declared himself satisfied with his contribution, before he departed the scene after 80 minutes.
After training with some of Europe’s top talent at Dortmund without ever breaking into the first team, Amini believes this can now be his time to shine as he hunts the regular first-team football which could propel him into the FIFA 2018 World Cup plans of Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.
“I learned so much during my time there, training with such fantastic players and being on the bench at the Champions League ... but now I need to be playing senior football and showing I am worthy of my spot,” said Amini.
“It’s been a positive start and there’s plenty to build on ... it’s up to me now to prove how good I can be and how far I can go.
“The next step is to focus on the Europa League and making sure we can qualify for the main draw. It's really important for the club.”
Randers, which kicks off its Superliga season against powerhouse FC Copenhagen on 19 July, plays the first leg against tiny St Julia on Friday (AEST) with the return in Denmark seven days later.
While the majority of Europe’s players sun themselves on beaches across the continent in the final weeks of post-season vacations, Amini is already in match mode.
“I’m working hard to get myself up to the tempo required and there’s an understanding with my new teammates which needs to be built up. That doesn’t happen immediately. It needs to be worked on," he added.
“The set-up at Randers is so professional, the quality of the squad is really good and the professionalism around the place is second to none.”
Having fellow Australian, Olyroos goalkeeper Jack Duncan, as a teammate, is an added bonus.
“Jack played the second half against Haken and is competing for the first-team spot and it's great to have him around. It makes a huge difference to us both settling in,” said Amini.
“He’s just at the start of his European career and is doing really well so far.”
Amini is convinced he has come to a club where he will be pushed to produce the form needed to take him to the next level and as he bids to deliver on the promise he first showed as a rookie with the Central Coast Mariners.
“You have seen the Danish Under-21s reach the semi-finals at the European Championship and that shows the calibre of player the country produces," he said.
"The Superliga is a really tough and demanding competition. I am sure it's going to bring out the best in me.”
