With Popovic, Aloisi, Brosque and Musialik all watching from the stands, rookies Chris Payne and Shannon Cole played their part in helping Sydney claim their first points of the campaign in a match Kosmina described as “a good battle for us”.

“It says a lot for the players that actually played, probably more than the blokes who are coming back,” Kosmina said after the nil-nil draw. “It augers well for the future.”

The Sydney manager admitted occasion might have got the better of his team in the first half of Saturday’s clash, as the home side struggled to find its feet in defence.

He hailed goalkeeper Clint Bolton as “exceptional”, saving the side on several occasions before the fullbacks found their feet.

“The boys were nervous," added Kosmina. "Jacob Timpano didn’t train yesterday, he had a jab and painkiller before the game.

"We couldn’t practise a lot this week with Jakey and it was also his first game back in two years, so it was a big occasion for him.

“We managed to sort things out in the end.”

With the club’s debutants gaining invaluable experience on the A-League pitch, and experienced pros returning from injury, suspension and Olympic duty, Kossie believes he is now left with “an embarrassment of riches” heading into this-weekend’s meeting with the Mariners.

Despite the tide of talent rushing back into the team, Cole is likely to keep his place in Sydney’s starting side, thanks to his stunning debut against the Victory.

“He’s confident, nothing much fazes him,” Kosmina said. “He steps up for the free kicks, corners. He’ll grow in stature with a bit more time and he’ll get more time.

"When you got someone that can take dead balls like that you got to find a spot on the field for him somewhere.”