But Mark Bosnich's life has never been about conforming to the norms. He spoke to the media after his debut for Sydney Olympic on Sunday.

Mark, how does it feel to be back?

I don't know if I can say I'm back. This was my first game in six months. It was a very difficult game. I really enjoyed but I'm a little bit sore. But the body held up quite well. I was quite surprised as I only started training with the ball two days ago. I'm a little sore after diving on the spots they have for rugby posts ... and I cut myself shaving!

Did you enjoy it?

I did, but I was really nervous this morning. Waking up and seeing Australia qualify settled my nerves a little too. But I really didn't know what to expect. It's completely different but a far better standard than I thought it was which helped me concentrate. In four or five weeks time, if I keep training as hard as I have this week and playing these game, I'll be fine and I'll be ready. I've had a new burst of life since I got back... I'm reinvigorated.

How was the level today?

It was far higher than I thought it would be. I had a feeling it would because at Central Coast we played a Brian Brown coached premier league team in the pre-season and it was quite intense and difficult. Given the chance to train full-time I think these boys would do far better than people realise. They just need that little bit of opportunity. If there was some sort of B-League [A2 championship] in the future, that would make a huge difference. It doesn't matter what the sport is.

And physically?

Well, I've got the same suit on I had a year ago and it still fits me! I've got a great fitness and goalkeeper coach in Frank Mikuletic. It's like a pre-season. I've got Super Frank following me everywhere. They've been good enough to lay on Frank to work with me every day. And this time, I've kept a good base. I've got to have a go at it, properly. I'd hate to be sitting there with a big beer gut, saying 'I could've done that!' A lot was made of my weight, but it keeps you on your toes. I'm going to give it a good go. Nothing half-cocked. For me, it's got to be all or nothing.

And the club's decision to pursue you?

They said, 'if you really want to play, this is a good way to start back'. So they came to me. It wasn't like I went to Sydney United and said, 'they've offered this so I want a car, an apartment and that Miss Universe!' Staying home with mum and dad, I sort of asked them and they said it's better than you sitting around watching the History Channel. So I've started this week. I was a little concerned today that I've trained so hard this week that something might... but it didn't. Because last time I started talking and it happened so I'm just going to work my arse off for four weeks, excuse the pun, and keep playing. I was pleasantly surprised not only at the standard of play but my standard of play. I was a little bit concerned. I really was. I thought today might have been the day for the last post - being D-day yesterday!

You made a wonderful save in the first half off a powerful Daniel Willoughby header... harked back to your golden days....

I was also happy with my kicking which was quite a surprise. I wish I kicked that good when I was playing! It was a good reflex save but maybe the goal I could've been a little bit quicker. I spoke to their striker Lucas [Jay Lucas] after the game and he said it went over the top of the wall. So fair play. And I thought Bonnyrigg played a Championship style of game. They had the two midfielders [Andre] Gumprecht and the other chap knocking it wide here and there and their two strikers were a handful. And they played with quite a good pace. The last two state league games I've seen, the pace drops off in the last 20 minutes. But this time they really gave it all. The game flew by for me.

Was there any pressure on you?

I always put pressure on myself. You want to keep the standards on the pitch. I never had many problems keeping my standards on the pitch. It was in other places as I've said to you... unfortunately I fell in with the wrong crowd and dropped my standards a little. But I always kept my standards on the pitch quite high. That's always a worry though. I'm just being honest, I woke up this morning and I thought if I chuck one in or something like that what a way to go out. How would it be? And it does crash through your mind. I don't know about you but sometimes if you're cool and laidback things happen. It kept me on the ball. I was really determined not to get embarrassed. You do have those doubts because you're not playing week in week out.

You got a bit of stick from the Bonnyrigg supporters...

I'm used to it. I used to get more stick than most keepers, especially away from home playing in England. They're entitled to it. I don't mind it. I think we've all got to be wary especially in these days of political correctness, but we're still allowed to express ourselves. It's a gladiatorial thing. As long as it doesn't cross the line when people are chucking things at you. So don't complain if you get one chucked back! It's fine. I expected a little more actually.

Is this your last roll of the dice to get back into full-time football?

This is what I think... it was pretty much this time last year I was invited for the FIFA Congress and I got that offer from Central Coast. Bless their souls, I'll never forget them - Peter Turnbull, Lyall Gorman - offered me the chance to come back and play five games. It was daunting enough but I had such a great start against Sydney there was only one way to go so I thought I was going to retire after that game! Then, the plan was to do this celebrity rehab [TV show in LA]. Lucky I didn't do it. That was a good decision. Then the FFA and Fox Sports and other parties asked me to stay. I said okay, I'll stay for the season. But I didn't want to hold them over a barrel. They didn't owe me anything, if anything, I owed a little bit. So I said I'd wait for a year and if there are no opportunities you'll forgive me if I go back to England as I have a life back there as well. Also when the new coach came in at Sydney I didn't want to upset the apple cart because I was working for the media and there's always a risk to be looked upon as a spy in the camp. So the parents wanted me to stay at home with them, which was important, so I have. Five or six weeks ago I did have a shout from England asking me if I was interested in coming back to a lower league club. I'm not saying which club as they have goalkeepers and I gave them my word. And the people in England thought it [playing for Sydney Olympic] was a great idea to keep in shape ahead of July. And there were interested parties here who said they'd like to look at you in terms of the A-League. In the past I'd come back for a holiday and want time to relax. I'd spend a week with Yorkie [Dwight Yorke] which ended up being two weeks with one to recover! And another week with one of my wives - the first or second one. So I never really had the time to put back into the game.  People got the wrong impression. So I want to show them who is the real me. I never had the time. Like this week going to Westmead hospital. So it's been a good idea all-round. And at the end of the day, if it all comes to nothing, I had a great career. If it all comes to nothing, there's only one person to look at to say 'well, you did what you did, at the end of the day'. For me, it's like a last hurrah... I'm really enjoying it. And while I'm here, why not put something back into the state league.

The Socceroos last night? Your thoughts...

Very proud. A lot of those boys I grew up with. Lucas used to stay at my flat in Manchester and Harry was my first roommate and Mark Schwarzer I grew up with him out in the west [Sydney]. I'm very proud of them. A lot of people maybe have taken this qualification a little for granted. To qualify for back to back World Cups. I know there's a bit of a debate about the substance of their play but let's not worry about that. We've qualified, they've done fantastically well. The Socceroos are the top of the pyramid as a product followed by the A-League. Very, very proud. Verbeek's come in for a lot of criticism, as long as it's respectful and precise - Bill Clinton said that. It was nice to see him answer that question about the A-League by a Qatari journalist. And he was right. Good on you, Pim. Give it to him, Pim.

So, we've got to ask the question, you're making a comeback; it's a year till the World Cup...

No, no, no. It's in safe hands. Mark Schwarzer's had an outstanding year and for the last two campaigns. I've had my two campaigns and I never played in a losing World Cup qualifier. That was my time. That was then, this is now. I would not want to stand in the way of a young keeper coming through.

So, what about coaching in some sort of national team goalkeeper coach role?

Everyone has said that but I really think I would struggle with the credibility thing. If I turned around and said, 'I want you in bed by midnight' ... and I wouldn't have any problems doing that but ... maybe I need to look myself in the mirror. They have a wonderful goalkeeping coach in Tony Franken. I don't think coaching is for me... maybe one day.

* To see Mark Bosnich's next game in the NSW premier league, head to Wollongong next weekend.