Thwaite failed to impress the Dutch boss at Socceroos training and returned to his new club SK Brann after his recent move from Wisla Krakow without adding further to his five caps.

And when Brann refused to release Thwaite for the friendly against Ghana, his future in the Roos looked bleak.

But now Thwaite, 25, has joined Melbourne Victory on loan from his Norwegian club as he looks to stay match sharp and avoid a season on the Scandinavian sidelines.

"When Pim contacts you after the Melbourne loan is finalised and says ‘Good decision’, I think that’s clear," Thwaite told The Cairns Post.

"It’s probably the first football decision that I’ve made on my own behalf.

"The player in my position at Brann has played for the club for 11 years. He has played in every match this season and has a good understanding with the coach.

"I could have stayed, been on the bench in the Champions League and remained in the same situation, without any control on what I was doing, but I didn’t want that."

He opted for Melbourne Victory after being courted by both Queensland Roar and Newcastle Jets, he says, and is delighted to joining the A-League outfit.

He added: "Ernie Merrick has been at the club since the start and has contacted me every year when I was in Romania, Poland and now in Norway.

"I think Melbourne has a lot to achieve this year and have a great squad after missing the finals last year.

"It’s time for me to knuckle down, have a positive pre-season and for me personally to gain some control back over my club and international career."