Gan, 20, announced himself in spectacular fashion with a brilliant goal just five minutes after coming on as a 73rd minute substitute in the sky blues' 2-1 win in Newcastle on Sunday.

But Kosmina said after the game he was conscious about throwing the former Sutherland Sharks kid into the fray too soon.

"I was thinking of starting him during the week but it was probably too big an occasion for a young guy," he said.

"And he trained okay one day and was a bit off the next ... and he's got a lot of run in his legs and I think he proved that when he came on.

"It was an indication of the pace of the game that even he was a little out of breath towards the end of the game. But he did exceptionally well."

As for a starting berth alongside John Aloisi though, Kosmina said it was a big ask.

Kossie added: "He's had a full season in the Premier League and he's a good solid kid, but he came on at a stage of the game where he was comfortable with what was happening on the field.

"But if it happened at the start it might be a little quicker. Sometimes you've got to be careful with young guys.

"As much as you can bring them through and stand up they can also cop a couple of blows to their confidence. So we'll look at him through the week."

As for two of the side's older stars, Kosmina also praised Steve Corica and in particular Clint Bolton.

"Clint's worked very hard at training and I think he's started to look like the Clint Bolton of old," said Kosmina.

"As I've said, I think Clint and the guy sitting next to me [Corica] were the reason why Sydney had a championship year in season one."

As for Alex Brosque, Kosmina, with tongue in cheek, said his striker should be "embarrassed" for having to come off with cramp.

He added: "Bimbi [Steve Corica] is 35 and has never had cramp in his life. Brosquey learnt about playing in midfield tonight!"