Ryan, 29, joined his new team-mates at training for the first time this week and was immediately looking forward to coming up against his brother at Western Sydney Wanderers.

The older McGowan joins the Sky Blues from a series of stints in Scotland after moving there in 2008 to join Hearts - and is well used to cross-city rivalries.

During his five years with the Edinburgh club, he was a fan favourite among Jambos...but loathed by rival Hibs fans.

He later moved on and played for both sides in the Dundee derby, with spells at Dundee United and later Dundee.

McGowan also enjoyed a loan spell at Partick Thistle in Glasgow, home of the Scotland's greatest rivalry - the notorious Old Firm clashes between Rangers and Celtic.

But the thought of a brother v brother clash in the Sydney derby could top them all for the 20-cap defender.

"That's definitely a game that I've watched from afar and been jealous of," he admitted today. "But to be up close and personal, and with family on the other side...

"It'll be interesting to see who the aunties and uncles pick too and what side they'll sit in!"

Little brother Dylan, 27 - who also joined Hearts as a youth player while Ryan was there – returns to the A-League with the Wanderers after a series of clubs overseas.

PLUS...

Pic special: Ryan joins Sydney

Ryan McGowan took his training day bow with new side Sydney FC in front of the cameras and teamed up with fellow new faces Kosta Barbarouses, Alexander Baumjohann and Antony Caceres. Check out the pics by Jaime Castaneda.

The pair sealed their deals in the A-League almost simultaneously before realising they were set to be derby day rivals.

"It probably happened around the same time," Adelaide-born Ryan revealed.

"I had a few phone calls from different A-League clubs but as soon as Sydney called and I spoke to the boss then his boss, the CEO, I was really excited and got everything done pretty quickly.

"It was a pretty good feeling – and Dylan said pretty much the same had happened for him and Western Sydney."

He added: "It's good for us. We've both lived away from home for a long time. 

"I've been overseas for 13 years so it's good to come back home and have that familiar face just down the road...but not too close!"