In 2011 the Vienna Derby descended into chaos when Rapid supporters stormed the pitch after their team conceded a second goal making it 2-0 to Austria Wien inside the first 26 minutes.

Such was their anger at losing to their bitter rivals the Rapid fans invaded the pitch to remonstrate with their own players.

As a result the 297th derby clash between Austria’s most renowned clubs was abandoned.

That was a little over six months before Holland joined Rapid’s bitter rivals Austria Wien.

This weekend he will be at the centre of another instalment of a rivalry that spans back over 100 years.

After the Old Firm, it is the most played derby in Europe - and just like the clash between the Glasgow giants, familiarity has bred contempt between Austria and Rapid.

A little over 12 months into his 18 month contract with Austria Holland is now well versed in the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

“The history goes back such a long way so there is a lot of passion because so much has happened and there are so many controversial moments," he said.

“You definitely feel it - the tension in training the weeks before. A lot of the players that have come up through the youth for them it is a huge thing.

"Our assistant coach is also an Austrian boy who played here forever and you hear the tension in his voice when he is talking about it.

"On game day, you can definitely sense it is very different to a normal game.”

The tension in the build-up to the clash might be one thing but some of the Socceroo’s teammates have had to deal with the more extreme side of the rivalry.

“Vienna is made up of 23 districts and the Rapid district is in number 13 or 14 and if you are in that area and people do recognise you, they can be a little rude and may even confront you," said Holland.

“I haven’t experienced it but I know a few of the boys have had things done to their cars and I think one of them was even pushed up against a wall with some guy having him by the throat.”

Adding to the build-up this time round is that fact it is the first game back after a two month winter break in the Austrian Bundesliga.

It is a long time to wait for the season’s most anticipated clash and Holland concedes it has been difficult to put it to the back of his mind.

“Obviously we get a break but you are still mid seaso," he said. "It is difficult to switch off and you don’t want to lose your fitness especially after we were doing so well before the break.

"But we have worked hard since so hopefully we can hit the ground running.”

For Holland’s side, it represents a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table over third-placed Rapid to 13 points.

Having failed to qualify for a place in Europe last season for the first time in 10 years, it has been a sharp turnaround in fortunes.

And so it has proved the case for Holland’s career too.

In the space of 12 months he has firmly established at Austria after struggling to break through to the first team at AZ Alkmaar and is on the way to becoming a regular in the Socceroos starting XI.

“I’m in a  really good place right now with a manager that believes in me and has given me the confidence that I was lacking when I left Alkmaar, which I guess has brought me back to life in that respect.”

So content with life in the Austrian capital the midfielder said he was in no rush to move on despite his contract being up at the end of the season and rumours of interest in him from Germany.

“If I do make a move it will be calculated, I don’t think it would be smart to move for money or just because it is there," he added.

“I’m such a good place coming into the World Cup next year that I wouldn’t want to upset my rhythm but if the right opportunity comes along it is definitely something I am open to

"But I am really happy here and I feel I am developing.”