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Byles, 27, a defender recruited from rivals Heidelberg, arrived in Australia two years ago looking for a new experience in life.

Growing up in Southampton and signed by as a pro by Stuart Gray at the Saints, Byles had a strong grounding as a professional footballer.

But the chance to live in this country with his Australian partner was too good a chance to pass up and after his three year stint with the Saints, arrived in Australia via Thailand.

Bypassed by the A-League (though he trained with Melbourne Victory for two weeks), the Englishman has made his home in the VPL.

He now looms large as South look to crown their first season at their redeveloped Lakeside HQ with a trophy.

“I do think a lot of players in this league get overlooked,” Byles told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“In our side there’s Trent Rixon and the Trifiro brothers Jason and Glen and obviously Joe Keenan.

"I’ve come here and the facilities are brilliant. Some of the pitches in this league aren’t as good as they can be but this one is like a bowling green.

“It looks like we’ve a young, really sharp squad and everyone’s hungry to give it a go this season. And at my age, it’d be nice to win something.”

Byles said he felt there wasn’t a massive difference collectively in the standard of squads in the A-League compared to his club and the VPL generally.

And he believed mining the local leagues for talent is the right thing to do rather than gamble on overseas players.

“They should look at these leagues with unknown talent rather than looking overseas and giving them big wages whereas they could probably recruit some young and up and coming Aussie players," said Byles.

“The standard isn’t a massive step up from this league. There are some outstanding individuals but the rest collectively aren’t much better.”

While South have rivals Green Gully and Oakleigh to contend with this season, there’s a sound look to the balance of coach Peter Tsolakis’s squad.

The Trifiro brothers Glen and Jason add class and composure across the park after their move from Northcote.

Fernando de Moraes is a proven star whose name continues to excite, while Trent Rixon is a proven goalscorer.

A-League fans may also remember Joe Keenan – ex of Chelsea, Victory and the Reds – and defender Steven O’Dor formerly of New Zealand Knights.

Tsolakis, a club legend after many years as a tricky striker for the club, put the South squad through a punishing two hour session on Tuesday night.

He said the players at this level have a hunger and that, as a coach, is a joy to work with.

“Too right they are committed. It’s one thing you have to admire about these guys. A lot of professional footballers that’s all they do. Get up, train, go home, have their lattes and do what they want,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“But these guys put in long shifts as tradesman. Then rock up here and today it’s 35 degrees and they are ready for me to pound them!

“It’s true commitment. And given the opportunity I reckon there’s a few of them who could step up to the A-League.

“If they get that chance in that full-time environment I’ve absolutely no doubt the likes of the Trifiros, Trent Rixon and Luke Byles, too. Quite a few can step up, given the opportunity."

He added: “And it’s great training here. The pitch is wonderful... we don’t have to worry about potholes or dog poo.”

Follow me on Twitter @Aidothejourno

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