Thrust forward into the role of a traditional No.10, Culina scored the match-winner against Perth Glory on Sunday to kick-start his team's season, and the Socceroo promises more of the same.

This season he will play provider to Bruce Djite, Joel Porter and the myriad of talented young strikers at the club, but the captain is also set to pull the trigger more often than ever before.

"I have always said I enjoy attacking and getting forward and this season I've been given a task to play forward a little bit more than I did last year," he said.

From deep in the midfield in United's inaugural year, Culina observed a trend that he hopes to nullify with his move.

"It's important for me to get forward and that's something I've talked to (coach) Miron (Bleiberg) about because at times last season we lacked the support going forward," he said.

"I was required to play more of a controlling role and the options going forward were limited, so this season, along with Miron, we thought we'd put (playing further forward) in practice.

"It's worked well in the first few games and we will keep doing more of the same."

Culina has two goals from four matches this season - last season he tallied three in total - but the 30-year-old isn't expecting to make an impression on the legacy left at the club by Smeltz and his golden-boot winning haul of 19.

"I still consider myself a midfielder, I'm not a striker, and I still get back to help defensively...but in saying that its great to score and it's a great feeling to score - that's what the game is all about."

"If you get yourself in the position, the goals will come."

While thriving on the frontline for club, it is a similar story for Culina and the Socceroos under the fledgling Osieck regime.

Culina has been more prominent in the green and gold than ever before and he says that is something the fans can get used to.

"I'm not necessarily playing a different position (for the Socceroos) but we are being encouraged to get forward and attack and score goals and give assists."

"Holger has gone out and told all of us to get forward and play more attacking football and most of us are enjoying playing that way."

Culina will lead Gold Coast United into battle with Central Coast this Sunday before backing up against Newcastle on Wednesday night then travelling to face champions Sydney the following Sunday.