The 20-year-old ex-Perth Glory midfielder returned to the A-League prior to this season after two years in the Netherlands with Roda JC.

De Silva turned in another impressive display, which has onlookers calling him a Socceroos bolter, setting up the winner in the Mariners' 1-0 triumph over Glory at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday.

"I'm really happy to play here," De Silva told Fox Sports.

"We have a great style of play and it really allows me to express the type of player that I am.

"Paolo does a great job with the team. Having quality players around me makes the job a whole lot easier.

"For me, I'm really happy to be here. It makes me a better player." 

The result lifts the Mariners up to fourth on the A-League ladder, having won three of their past four matches.

"The hard work doesn't stop," De Silva said.

"We keep working hard and trying to improve for results like this.

"I hope that each week we can get better."

He added: "I came here to try to help the team win. The boys fought really hard today in really hot conditions. It was a really tough game physically.

"We worked hard during the week and we work hard for moments like this. To win the game is a really great feeling."

Next up for the Mariners is an away trip to Melbourne City on Sunday.