Wise beyond his 19 years, the Central Coast Mariners striker knows it takes more than a precocious talent to emulate one of the all-time greats of the Green and Gold.

Whether it’s snatching top-scorer honours in the 2010/11 youth league, playing with composure before a crowd of more than 50,000 in last season’s A-League Grand Final or pitting himself against the U20 World Cup elite, many regard him among the best of Generation Next.

But the Nigerian-born footballer, who arrived in Australia at the age of one, refuses to waste time on what might be, especially when his immediate goal of breaking into the Mariners' first XI is hard enough.

“It’s definitely an honour to be compared to such a great footballer as Mark Viduka who played for the Socceroos and big clubs overseas but I just try to go out there and do my best in every game,” Ibini-Isei said.

“All I can do is put in my best at training and, if I do get an opportunity, take it with both hands. There are a lot of great strikers at the Mariners – Matt Simon, Adam Kwasnik, Michael Baird and Danny McBreen - so it’s definitely going to be tough.”

Not that tough is something this Young Socceroo has ever shirked. In fact he counts the Mariners’ championship loss to Roar, and the media flak directed toward the U20 World Cup campaign, as valuable learning experiences.

“It (grand final loss) still hurts even now but as a team we’re looking forward to this season and going one better,” he said.

“The older boys certainly helped us younger ones out a lot after that game. Graham Arnold also spoke to us and told us you have to move on. It’s tough to take but the best thing is to look forward to the next season."

As for the World Cup reaction: “Criticism comes with football and you just have to accept it and use it to see where you can try to improve yourself.

“For me it was definitely a positive experience to have gone out there and played against different countries and seen how they play and where they’re at.”

Australian U20 national team Head Coach Jan Versleijen has highlighted Ibini-Isei’s game-changing ability and the X-factor he brings to a match.

Noted for his hold-up play and skill at bringing others into the game, the player himself admits to a certain showman quality and a desire to “entertain the crowd”.

It sounds glamorous; however for this rising star of the world game success is all about putting in the hard yards. It could be a lesson straight from the Socceroos playbook but is actually a principle imparted by his parents.

“They’ve always been by my side during the ups and downs throughout football and taught me never to let setbacks stop me,” he said. “They’re a great encouragement and just remind me to keep working harder and things will happen.”

Bernie’s take on football
Secret to success: Great all-round technique
Career highlights: 2010/11 A-League Grand Final and FIFA U20 World Cup
Pick of the A-League young guns: Mustafa Amini (Central Coast Mariners), Terry Antonis (Sydney FC), Brendan Hamill (Melbourne Heart), Dimitri Petratos (Sydney FC), Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory) and Matthew Ryan (Central Coast Mariners)
Plan B: None