Sydney FC will today dress up new Finnish striker Juho “The Surgeon” Makela as a surgeon for a light-hearted photoshoot ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster with Melbourne Victory. 

And Cole himself hasn’t been shy in promoting the A-League by belting out a tune in Fox Sports’ Sing When You’re Winning version of Australian Idol.

Cole says personality players need to be encouraged to promote the game. It was a point underlined at this week's fan forum in Sydney where the issue of A-League clubs and access to players was discussed.

“I’m not shy in front of the camera doing those sorts of things,” Cole told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“I like to have a laugh with these football shows they have now like Match Day Saturday - that’s awesome. I reckon there should be more of that stuff.”

One of the most talked-about characters in the A-League is Milicevic. As an example, the classy defender joined members of Newcastle’s fan group The Squadron on Tuesday night at EA Stadium.

There the 29-year-old in trademark rock star look played the role of fan leader as he took the loudhailer and directed the Jets supporters in the Eastern Grandstand for some impromptu singing and dancing.

While it didn't go down well with Jets management, Cole says Milicevic’s ability to generate a buzz is a good example of players taking more of a role in promoting the game and the A-League.

“How could you not talk about that?” he said of Milicevic’s exploits on the terraces.

“I actually didn’t see it but I only know about it because people were talking about it. But I think it’s hilarious – I’d like to see it.

“He’s just a character. I think that kind of thing people may say, ‘What’s he doing? What’s he thinking?’ But he’s not doing any harm to anyone.

“It’s funny for the rest of us and I’m sure everyone had a laugh when they saw that.”

Milicevic will also appear on Hyundai Match Day Saturday this week ahead of the Sydney FC blockbuster with Melbourne Victory.

It could be one of the final times Milicevic is seen in the media with an impending move to Europe for the charismatic former FC Thun star.

Cole added: “It’s probably more entertaining with Ljubo around than without him.”