The new Sydney FC coach left it until the last possible moment before deciding which of his two goalkeepers would start the season, with Clint Bolton eventually getting the nod.  

Both keepers had their chance to impress during pre-season but Necevski believes the choice for Lavicka was made tougher by Filan pushing both keepers to new heights.

And Necevski was full of praise about the contribution Filan had made since he began working with the club's keepers

"John has been absolutely massive for me and I know it's the same for Clint," Necevski told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"I remember watching him play in the old state league when I was 12 or 13 and then followed his career over in the English Premier League."

Filan graced the top flight of English football with Wigan Athletic for several seasons and played several times for the Socceroos in the nineties before he packed his bags and moved back to Australia.

He gradually became involved with the coaching set up at the Moore Park club and Necevski believes his role is so, so important.  

He added: "It's huge to have someone of his stature and experience at the club who can ultimately help us as keepers and us as a club to win a championship with Sydney FC."

Sydney's next test comes this weekend when they entertain Wellington Phoenix at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.