“He obviously was disappointed he wasn't in the leadership group that the players voted for,” Valkanis told au.fourfourtwo.com.

Costanzo was installed as club skipper following the controversial exit of captain Ross Aloisi following the club's 6-0 grand final loss to Victory last February.

He skippered the club throughout its Asian Champions League campaign up until May.

“That's what he was disappointed about. But Ange is the sort of player who is great to have around," said Valkanis.

“I believe he will work his way back into the leadership group."

In what circumstances Costanzo may return to the leadership group, Valkanis didn't elaborate, but he did say he remained “close” with his ex-skipper.

“We're friends, we spend a lot of time off the park together,” he added.

After large scale personnel changes in the off-season, Adelaide plumped for the leadership pairing of Valkanis with winger Travis Dodd, 26, as his deputy recently.

"I'm feeling comfortable with the position of captain. It's something I've previously done in Europe,” said Valkanis, 33.

“It was something that I wanted to do when Ross [Aloisi] left the club. Dodd can be groomed as a future captain of the club at his age.”

After a successful pre-season cup, Valkanis' first real test is this Saturday night.

United kicks off its campaign for A-League season three with a tricky encounter against the much-improved Queensland Roar at Brisbane's cavernous Suncorp stadium.

Coach Aurelio Vidmar hinted his young Olyroo strikers Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite may play a part in the game.

“We just have to wait and see with Bruce and Nathan, they’ve got a long flight back to Australia and we’ll assess them when we get to Brisbane,” he said.

The pair was part of Australia’s impressive 0-0 draw away to Iraq in Qatar midweek as part of the final leg of Olympics 2008 qualifiers.

Vidmar added: “Our goal is the top four. We’ve just got to get into the finals – that is what this club expects and demands so that is the goal.”