Canberra United physio Julian Russell-Jones always believed Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams would overcome the odds and return from her second knee reconstruction in time for the women's World Cup.
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Just 11 months after her World Cup dreams were on a knife's edge, Williams is set to line up between the posts for Australia's opening game against the star-studded USA in Winnipeg on Tuesday (AEST).
The 27-year-old's selection is hardly a surprise, but simply standing on the synthetic turf is a major victory after the events of July last year.
Williams tore the ACL in her knee for the second time in her career while playing for the Western New York Flash in the US National Women's Soccer League.
Football Federation Australia recommends players take at least 12 months out of the game before returning from a torn ACL, but Williams pushed herself during her rehab to give herself a chance of getting on the plane to Canada.
Russell-Jones wasn't surprised Williams fought her way back given he has worked with her since she debuted with the Matildas as a 16-year-old in 2005.
"I've always been confident she would be right for it," Russell-Jones said.
"She was told the World Cup was too soon and you won't be ready for it and you'll have an increased risk of doing it again if you go back within that 12 month time frame.
"She was determined to play in a World Cup because they don't come around all that often."
Williams is one of three Canberra players in the Matildas.
Striker Michelle Heyman is set to be in the starting team while midfielder Ashleigh Sykes will be an impact weapon off the bench.
Williams appears to have her nose in front of veteran Melissa Hudson and Perth Glory goalkeeper MacKenzie Arnold for the goalkeeper's spot.
It was the second time Williams had torn her ACL after first sustaining the injury while playing in Sweden in 2012.
"Lydia has been around for a while and has seen a lot of field players do their ACL's and having done one knows you can come back from it," Russell-Jones said.
"She did whatever she had to do to do get there."
That included up to 30 hours per week of physio, goal-keeping training, gym work and rehab on isokinetic testing machinery.
Williams played for Tuggeranong United in the women's Premier League in April to regain match fitness ahead of her selection for the World Cup.
Canberra United chief executive Heather Reid praised Williams in her efforts to return.
"She's done a remarkable job to be back in the team and to be in contention for starting," Reid said.
"Lydia has worked incredibly hard every single day to be fit for this tournament.
"Her determination is unquestioned."
TUESDAY: Women's World Cup: USA v Australia, 9.30am. Live on SBS 1
