To see Mariners' training session...

"I'm still trying to switch the body around to Australian time. I find it harder coming back from Europe than the other way," he tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

The 29-year-old played 90 minutes last week for Malta in their 4-0 loss away in Portugal. Along for the ride was Phoenix defender Manny Muscat, also of Maltese heritage.

As you'd expect, it was a rare close up look at the highest level of world football.

"They think faster, move the ball quicker and they were so fast. Every time players were moving forward it was unbelievable at that pace. I just tried to compete as best as I can," said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson conceded lining up for the national anthem was a "weird" experience - made even more surreal by having Deco, Carvalho, Bosingwa and Nani lined up just yards away in Portugal shirts, and also by the fact that he doesn't know the words to "L-Innu Malti".

"I didn't know when it finishes so I just clap along with the other boys," he said. "I still count myself as Australian but I play for a different nation."

Team meetings were in Maltese too so the Mariner found himself equally bewildered, relying on Muscat to translate later. Clearly though the pair have done well enough as they've been invited back. Malta have two upcoming friendlies in November and in March.

But to travel 23 hours for such a game might be too much and Hutchinson at least may be given the November game off to concentrate on club football instead.

And from the sound of it, he may not be too disappointed. The former Morwell Falcon flew business class back to Australia but economy to Europe. However, he says it wouldn't matter if he flew first class , it's still a hair-raising experience for him.

Said the nervous flyer: "I don't like planes. I'm head down and hope the pilot can get us there safely. I'd rather be in a car, a train or a bus. I think I chose the wrong profession."

It's been a whirlwind week for the pair. For Hutchinson, he capped off a return on the day of Central Coast's game in Brisbane with a sweet strike in a 3-0 defeat of Roar on Saturday. 

Hutchinson's Mariners play the Jets on Friday night at EA stadium in the second F3 derby of the season.

To see Mariners' training session...