The defender has seized the international opportunity handed to him by Pim Verbeek and is now firmly part of the Socceroos set up.

It looks like a straight fight between Coyne and Queensland Roar skipper Craig Moore to partner Lucas Neill against Qatar on Wednesday night.

Yet despite Coyne’s international recognition, he is currently unable to win a regular spot at English third tier club Colchester United.

A new manager (Paul Lambert) has just been appointed at Layer Road and that might yet trigger a change in club fortunes. However, if the Us don’t seem to fully appreciate Coyne’s talents then Miron Bleiberg certainly does.

He told goldcoast.com.au: “Chris has proved himself a good player. He's started the last three internationals for Australia and hasn't put a foot wrong. He's sailed under the radar a little in his career but look where he is now.

“He's the player Craig Moore will have to remove to get back in the Australian team and that says a lot about how proficient he is.”

Gold Coast have also been linked with a move for Socceroo Scott Chipperfield while the club has already landed goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan for its first tilt at A-League glory.