Coyne, 32, moved to Liaoning in March this year in a loan deal aimed at enhancing his chances of making the Socceroos' 2010 World Cup squad.

Ultimately Coyne missed out on the South Africa tournament, but he also missed out on the bulk of Perth Glory's 2010/2011 season after signing an extension at Liaoning which he thought would keep him match-fit up until week one of the new A-League campaign.

It did not work out that way and Coyne is only now due to return for Glory, becoming eligible for the January 3 clash against Gold Coast United.

"I don't regret being up there (in China) I enjoyed it immensely but I do regret the fact that I haven't been able to pull on the Perth Glory shirt this year. It's hurt me quite a bit," Coyne told the Sunday Times.

"I was under the assumption that I could play another two or three more games up there and then come back two or three weeks before the start of the (A-League) season.

"But due to red tape and maybe a lack of diligence by myself and other parties, we weren't aware of the fact and it's something we just have to live with.

"As a footballer, I think I should've maybe looked into it more and not left it to other people."

The seven-time Socceroo conceded after missing out on his World Cup dream along with Holger Osieck's 50-man provisional Asian Cup squad, his international career is probably over.

"It was one of the proudest days of my life when I finally pulled on that shirt after having youth selection; and I'd never say never but I think the old green-and-gold might be hung up for me," Coyne said.