After a two-year absence from the Socceroos, Brillante is hopeful playing consistent football for Sydney can get him back in the national team.

Sydney’s 4-0 opening round win over Western Sydney showcased Brillante's talent and the 22-year-old says he will need more displays like it to earn another cap.

“Definitely one of my goals is to get back in the Socceroos squad,” he said to FourFourTwo.

“I mean most Australian players their aim is to be amongst the Socceroos squad and not playing so much regularly that is definitely one of my aims.

“First and foremost, I want to concentrate on what I’m doing here at club level with Sydney FC.  I’m sure if we are doing well and the team is doing well then the rest will follow.”

The last time Brillante wore the Socceroos shirt was on October 10, 2014 against Qatar.

The classy midfielder said being under the tutelage of the Sky Blues coach would help reignite his Socceroos career.

“Graham Arnold is a great coach,” he said. “For personal development you’ve seen some of the younger players and what they’ve gone on to do.

“Trent Sainsbury is a good person to make an example of. He’s now playing overseas and is amongst the Socceroos all the time. So I have no doubt that he can get the best out of his players.”

And Arnold is in his corner.

The Sydney coach said Brillante's time with Sydney FC could help him stake a claim for selection in one of Postecoglou’s future squads.

“I was in contact with him before he got back to basically resurrect his goals and resurrect where he wanted to go,” he said to FourFourTwo.

“Obviously playing overseas he felt that he could’ve been or should’ve been in the national team more and he wasn’t getting picked in these squads.

“His goal was to come back and be in Ange’s face and show what he can do.”

After a difficult period in Italy, Brillante said he now has a greater understanding of what is required to make it as a professional footballer in one of the world’s toughest leagues.

“Over there is a dog eat dog world,” he said. “No-one really cares about how you are going or making sure that you are ok. So you have to make sure you adapt to that and not get worried by things and concentrate and what you need to do on the pitch and be playing regularly.

“Going over there with a good attitude and obviously trying to do your best and get the best out of yourself is important.

“It was big change, living overseas, the whole culture and language was difficult. But I started off pretty well and had a bit of setback which was difficult being a young player and going over there was something I had to learn. But it’s all part of football especially over in Europe.”