Pain is set to follow in the footsteps of a number of Aussie goalkeepers who have made the step up into the big league, including the Shoalhaven’s own Adam Federici, who is still playing for Reading.

Pain turned 17 a couple of weeks ago and celebrated by putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Eagles, where he had been part of its academy program, recently breaking into the club’s under 18 and 21 sides.

“I’m really excited, it’s something that everyone dreams of,” the young keeper said.

“It’s been really good to play games at under 18 level recently and now I’ve just got to keep on playing and progressing.”

Already standing an impressive 185cm, the young custodian has impressed, with senior goalkeeping managers saying he is the best apprentice they have seen in 40 years.

“Who knows where he will end up? He is just keeping a level head, training as hard as possible and remembering where he came from and where he is now,” his proud father David said.

“He is well aware of the future opportunities in front of him and is extremely well grounded and focused on his future.”

After being spotted in a video on YouTube, Oliver was invited to the UK to trial with a number of clubs including Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal. 

With his father David he travelled to England in September 2012 for four weeks – on the last day before returning to Nowra he got a phone call from Lee Smelt, the Arsenal Academy goalkeeper coach, who offered a six-month trial. 

During the same time he was scouted by Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace, and not being signed by Arsenal was able to go wherever he pleased.

He decided on Crystal Palace, which offered a two-year scholarship, starting July 2014 and increased the offer to a professional contract when he turned 17.

He progressed to the club’s Youth Team and recently played in the under 17s Premier League International Cup held by Arsenal against the likes of Tottenham, Juventus and Real Madrid.

“That was a great experience,” he said.

“Playing against Real Madrid was a real highlight. Playing for the 21s was also something special, something that doesn’t usually happen to 16-year-old goalkeepers over here.”

He has also been training with the top grade team and squad, including Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak, keepers Julian Speroni, Wayne Hennessey and Lewis Price, as well as the field players Wifred Zaha, Jason Puncheon, Yannick Bolasie, Brede Hangerland and Barry Bannon.

The rest of the family, his mother Fiona, sisters Tara and Carmella have also moved to the UK to allow him to follow his dream.