“There was a lot of speculation about where I was at and what I was doing but there was only a couple of clubs that I actually went to," he said as he officially joined the club today.

"I wasn’t heading overseas for the sake of heading overseas, I wanted to do it to better myself, to better my career and unfortunately things didn’t work out.

"So coming home and being given a chance here is outstanding.”

Centre-back Milligan has signed up on a seven match guest player contract for this season and will be a fully fledged member of the Newcastle squad next season.

The Jets also hope to find a way to include him in the squad later this season and for their debut in the Asian Champions League.

Milligan today said he was delighted to at last make a return to playing regular football after months in the wilderness.

Apart from his Olyroo games, Milligan hasn't played competitive football since leaving Sydney FC last season.

“I haven’t felt like this since I was a little kid,” he explained. “I haven’t wanted to play so much and just get back involved in it.

"The last few years have been pretty hectic with obviously being fortunate enough to be involved in the World Cup and the Asian Cup, so I haven’t had a lay-off in a long time.

"I just miss playing, I miss training and I just want to get back on the park.”

He added: “It’s good to be secured now at the Jets and back training.

"I only have one focus now and that’s to get my head down, work hard and try and break into Dutchys’ squad over the next week or so.”

Picture courtesy of Rob Brooks/Newcastle Jets