The 29 year-old, who will have to wait at least a week before making his Hyundai A-League debut with Sydney FC, does not wish to dwell on the misfortune that plagued him for more than three years and which might have forced lesser players to question their footballing future.

Bridges joined Leeds United from Sunderland in the summer of 1999 for a sum of around $12 million and promptly rattled in 19 goals in his first season for the Elland Road club.

He was adored by the United faithful who would chant ‘Thank You Very Much for Michael Bridges’ every time they played the Wearsiders.

The dream turned into a nightmare on a September evening in Istanbul however with the striker carried off in a Champions League tie against Besiktas.

Achilles and calf problems proved serious while he would later suffer from tendon problems in the knee, seeking advice from top American surgeon Richard Steadman in Colorado.

However, the resilient Bridges battled back to fitness although he would exit Elland Road and take in stops at Bolton, Sunderland (again), Bristol City and Carlisle United before landing at present club Hull City.

He was a huge hit for Carlisle and scored a healthy chunk of the goals that saw the Cumbrians promoted. He is happy and healthy once again and the man discovered by the same scout as the legendary Alan Shearer is ready for his new challenge.

Of the injury woes he said: “Yeah, it ground to a halt but that’s well in the past now and you’ve got to look forward.”

Bridges is certainly learning quickly in his new environment and after joking about the weather yesterday, was expected to add suntan lotion to his kitbag ahead of today’s training session at Sydney Football Stadium.