At 22, Simon is one of the hottest properties in Australian football. A tally of 11 goals from 14 starts has made this his breakthrough season.

He is now second on the A-League scorers' chart behind Kiwi phenomenon Shane Smeltz on 12 (also Phoenix's penalty taker).

Simon's physicality and deftness in front of goal have been a nightmare for most A-League defenders this season.

Last Saturday's impressive performance against Queensland Roar and Socceroo star Craig Moore was just another reason to believe Simon can adjust to a bigger stage.

The lanky Mariner gave as good as he got against one of the most experienced, and toughest, defenders in the league.

Given Simon toiled last season without finding the net, the one-time Central Coast Lightning player's rise has been one of the season's feel-good stories.

Simon is likely already on the radar of UK clubs and agents, but McKinna says his big forward would be best served garnering valuable experience from the club's Asian Champions League campaign later this year and another season in the expanded A-League next year.

"My advice to Matt is the same as I gave Mile [Jedinak] a year ago," McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"You need to cement yourself with a good second season. You've got back it up."

With no passport issues – Simon has an ancestral link – it means the tall forward should have no problem moving to a European club, most likely in the UK, where his style will be more suited.

A so-called "back-door" move to Turkey, Holland or Belgium would probably not be needed.

Simon has a chance to leapfrog Smeltz this weekend when the Mariners visit Melbourne Victory.

"Too many players don't back up with a good second season and go over too early on. You have to find consistency," said McKinna.

"But the good thing is, Matt knows this."