The former Sydney FC defender, still to fix himself up with a new club, knows thaty even at this late stage Arnold can be swayed both postively and negatively.

He told the Northern Territory News: "Even though the coaching staff have great faith in me, I feel I need to prove myself on the pitch.

"And that is something I haven't been able to do for the past six months, because there hasn't been that many matches to play in.

Milligan admits his finish to last season's A-League campaign was far from perfect and he is anxious now to get his future resolved.

Trials with Arsenal and Manchester City have not resulted in a deal with the European pre-season now just days away.

Milligan said: "I haven't played that much this year and didn't have the greatest three months at the end of the A-League season,'' he laments.

"It has been tough just training, it starts to play tricks on your mind."