The attacking American is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained on the training field last month.

He has since had a left knee reconstruction after tearing both the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments.

Enfield could have taken up the option of recuperating back in the USA but such has been the response from his coach, medical staff and teammates that he is staying put.

Enfield’s injury came at the worst possible time with Branko Culina having admitted that the former LA Galaxy man was close to pushing for a first team slot.

The Californian, who signed a two-year deal with Sydney FC after impressing in a one month trial ahead of the new Hyundai A-League season (scoring on his debut against Wollongong Wolves) is now beginning the long road back to fitness.

Far from being depressed and gloomy, he hopes a breezy outlook will aid his recovery.

As his colleagues prepared for the big clash with current champion Melbourne Victory on Saturday night, Enfield said: “Injuries are part of football I guess but no footballer ever wants to be injured.

"This is my first serious injury in the game and it’s just something you have to deal with. You just have to try and be as positive as you can and work hard to get yourself back to where you want to be.

“It was just one of those things in training. My body went one way as I turned and the knee went the other. I’m told the standard recovery time for these situations is about six months but of course you want to get back sooner if you possibly can.”

Enfield was already enjoying life in a new country and was feeling positive about Sydney FC before his injury blow.

The club’s treatment of him in the aftermath of his agony has only reinforced that feeling of positivity.

He said: “All I can say is that the club has been supportive above and beyond all expectations.

"I’ve spoken to players here who’ve gone through something similar to myself and I’m grateful for them taking time out to spend that time with me.”

With no immediate prospect of pulling on his boots again Enfield could have been tempted to get on the next plane bound for the USA but he doesn’t feel that is the right course of action.

He said: “I have decided to stay here to go through the rehab programme.

"My girlfriend and my family will be coming over so I’m looking forward to that.”

Perhaps the most painful aspect of the whole affair for Enfield is that he will miss the chance to take on his old club when LA Galaxy visit the Sydney Football Stadium late next month.

He said: “It would have been great to be out there and facing David Beckham but I’m sure it’ll still give me the opportunity to catch up with some old friends.

“As I said, injuries are part of the game and challenges are part of the game. I just have to embrace this challenge.”