While much of the post-grand final focus has been on the antics of Central Coast Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic, Agostino is happy to heap praise on the seemingly Sydney FC-bound striker and his assessment isn’t based on a single goal.

As Agostino continues his fight for fitness ahead of Adelaide United’s Champions League quest, he has nothing but praise for a fellow member of the strikers’ union.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I think he is someone who has improved and improved as the season has gone on.

“I think his game has come on leaps and bounds this season and there is Socceroo potential there.”

Agostino sees a striker hungry for success and hungry for goals – qualities that bode well for the future.

He said: “When you look at his game and how it has come on I’m talking about his reading of the game, his link up play with colleagues and of course the goals.

“He has that drive that all quality players need and that drive to score goals.”

While Bridge prepares to jet off with the Olyroos for a match against Mexico in California, Agostino is working hard to ensure that he is able to feature in the bulk of Adelaide’s Champions League campaign.

Injury badly disrupted his first season with United in the A-League although he still managed to score four goals in seven starts for the Hindmarsh club.

He said: “Let’s say my goal next year is to play a hell of a lot more games than this year. It has been hard at times but I’m being well looked after by the medical staff and it’s important that you let an injury heal properly. It’s a torn tendon so that takes longer to heal.

“It’s been eight weeks now and I’ve probably just had my best day. I would think I would probably miss the first Champions League game (against Pohang Steelers on March 12) but would hope to be back in contention for the second game.”