When asked to pick out rivals they respected/struggled to get the better of, many A-League players had little hesitation in saying ‘Murdocca and McKay’ last year.

The bad news for opponents is that the 23-year-old is feeling as sharp as he’s ever done, especially now he is free from a nagging injury concern.

Having missed a chunk of season two Murdocca admits a part of him was always concerned about how he would hold up last year. But having come through the campaign with no ill effects, he expects to push on further this time.

Despite the praise Murdocca was unable to make the breakthrough into the international scene and you won’t find him complaining about the lack of contact from Pim Verbeek.

In age where footballers are often occused of possessing inflated egos, Murdocca is a refreshing alternative who refuses to demand more.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I’m feeling good and there isn’t the worry now, the slight concern I had last pre-season.

“Now it is about going forward and looking to improve my game further.”

And it is a case of going forward in every sense. The Roar man said: “Last year I was very defensive as a player. This time I’m determined to get forward and create more opportunities and have more shots on goal.”

Goals have not been a strong part of Murdocca’s game and you barely have to use one finger to reflect on his tally for the Roar since the A-League began.

He said: “Thanks for bringing that up - I think everyone knows that’s an area where I need to improve.”

So what of his international recognition or lack of? No complaints from Murdocca. He said: “You have to be honest with yourself. At this moment I don’t feel I’m good enough and you look to guys like Grella and Bresciano as the standard.

“But it’s certainly something I want to achieve. At the end of the day Pim Verbeek makes the call.”

For now, Murdocca will just continue with Roar preparations for the new campaign. He joked: “There’s running and more running at the moment. But it’s looking good. I think we’ve got a good squad. I’m sure Frank (Farina) will be out there looking for a new striker to add to the quality players we’ve already got.”

Meanwhile the club has again quashed suggestions that David Beckham and his LA Galaxy teammates will take on the Roar at Suncorp Stadium in November. A club spokeswoman said: “There’s no basis for the speculation.”