Minor off-season surgery has seen the captain miss out on Sydney's first four friendlies but he can't wait to pull on the boots again.

"I probably could have come back a bit earlier but I've been speaking with the coach and he obviously wanted me to be 100 per cent right before I came back," he said. "There's been no rush because we have such a long pre season.

"The boys have been doing really well, they're undefeated so far and haven't conceded a goal.  We're getting a lot fitter and I think it's paying off.  I'm looking forward to playing my first game."

While Corica's playing time is likely to be limited in his opening outing, the Sky Blues will also be bolstered by the return of Young Socceroos' Kofi Danning, Rhyan Grant and Matt Jurman after a three week absence.

"Our Under 20 National team players are back from tour of Europe. We have full squad now so we can rotate all players during the game.  It is good for our preparations," said Lavicka.

For Corica, season five of the A-League is shaping up as the best yet, and he's counting down to the start of the competition on August 8.

"It's great," said the skipper. "It's definitely going to be a different season. There are a couple of new clubs coming in which is exciting for the league.

"We have a new coach, everyone's buzzing, looking forward to the start of the season and I'm no different."

 Tonight's  friendly match kicks off at CUA Stadium in Penrith at 7:30pm.