The 32-year-old, who has spent almost two years on the sidelines with a career-threatening knee injury, will make his return off the bench against Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium tonight.

While the immediate aim is getting through tonight unscathed, the veteran midfielder is still daring to dream of a return to the international arena.

"Do I want to play for the Socceroos again? I'd love to," Culina said after completing a training session with the Sky Blues yesterday.

"I've played 58 times for the Socceroos and enjoyed two great World Cups. I was almost seven years on the national team and had awesome times and really enjoyed myself.

"It does come back to club level and I've got to do the job there first before I can consider playing for the national team again."

Culina injured his knee playing for the now defunct Gold Coast United at the end of the 2010/11 campaign and broke down for a second time after signing with the Newcastle Jets last season.

He said his nightmare injury run has only strengthened his resolve to compete at the highest level.

"I'm a strong character to come back from something like this," Culina said. "I don't give up too easily. If people think Jason Culina gives up or is not motivated then they're wrong.

"I believe in myself and that's made me a stronger person over the last two years."

 

But he admitted he could be reduced to tears when called into action tonight

"I had nothing else I could possibly do. Football is the one thing I love," Culina said on Thursday when asked what kept him going.

"I've been a fulltime professional since I was 16. You grow accustomed to doing one thing and when that's taken away from you then you're left with nothing.

"It ultimately comes down to how hard you work and how much you want and I wanted it pretty badly. It was hard and there were doubts but at the back of my mind I knew I'd make it back.

"I love the game too much to give it up."

Culina is likely to be introduced at half-time or just after the break as the Sky Blues attempt to end a three-match losing streak at high flying Adelaide's expense.

He said: "I've dreamt about this for the past two years. There will be a few tears. It's an emotional time for me.

"I will be nervous but once I step over that white line I think instinct kicks back in. I have belief and trust in the work I've done. If I had doubt I wouldn't have put my hand up."

Interim Sydney coach Steve Corica, who endured a similar injury setback during his playing career, knows what Culina has been through.

"I know how hard he's worked to get himself right," the coach said. "People said he wouldn't play again and he's going to prove them wrong.

"He could have (retired) and I think it crossed his mind at one stage but it's testament to him that he's fought his way back. He's just buzzing around waiting for his chance...you can see it in his face.

"He's ready for the challenge."

Asked what Culina would bring to his side, Corica said: "He gives you leadership, he's very good on the ball and that's something we'll be looking for him to give us."

The Sky Blues will be hoping Culina's return can spark a change of fortunes after three consecutive losses.

"We've got two home games coming up and we can turn things around very easily, with a win this weekend and back it up with another one," caretaker Corica said.

"But first of all Adelaide is the most important challenge and it's going to be a big challenge. They're top of the table and we're struggling a little bit at the moment.

"That's the challenge that's set out for the boys - to beat the team at the top."