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Emerton signed off from the English Premiership on Saturday with his club Blackburn making him captain for the day.

But a fairytale end to the Socceroo’s eight years at the club was denied by Tim Cahill’s Everton who nicked a 1-0 victory at Ewood Park with a last-minute goal.

Emerton is now on his way back to Australia to link up with the Socceroos as they begin their quest for Brazil 2014 qualification.

His high profile signing has been hailed as one of the greatest ever in the A-League – particularly given he is still at  his peak in the English Premiership and in the national team. 

The midfielder’s capture comes on the back of some targeted signings by Sydney coach Viteszlav Lavicka aimed at reviving the Sky Blues’ fortunes following last season’s disappointing campaign.

Experienced trio Michael Beauchamp, Pascal Bosschaart and Karol Kisel are other new faces in a squad that has an imposing look to it for season seven of the A-League.

And with 17-year-old midfielder Antonis’s eye-catching form for the Young Socceroos at the recent U-20 World Cup, Antonis will be making a strong case for selection.

 “The boys now, everyone feels hyped up,” Antonis told au.foufourtwo.com at training on Friday.

“It’s great as you can see but all the boys there’s a good philosophy and everyone’s excited to get out there to show Australia we are one of the best teams.”

One of the best, or the best? Antonis was convinced with Emerton in their ranks it would be the latter.

“I definitely think we can [win the grand final]," he said. "It’s a big squad. I think definitely we can. We’ve got the skill, physical side of it so I reckon we can.”

That said, Antonis conceded it’ll be a battle for him to capture a regular place the starting XI but he is relishing the chance to learn from the soon-to-arrive Socceroo who  is closing in on 100 caps for the national team.

“I was really excited because I’ve watched him since I was six years old when he was at Sydney Olympic back in the NSL with Nicky [Carle]. It’s massive. It’s a dream come true,” Antonis said.

“It’ll take me to another step in my career.”

Lavicka did recall Emerton from a UEFA Champions League clash some years ago. “I remember Brett from ten years ago when I was coaching assistant at Sparta Prague we played Feyenoord in the Champions League,” said the Czech mentor and A-League championship winner in his first season.

“I saw him and I was impressed by him. I went back to my notes and saw I had put a yellow point which makes him an important player.”

Lavicka said that with another spot left on their roster the club was looking for another striker, but remained coy on whether that player would be former Birmingham City and Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell on a possible 10 match guest stint.

However, he added that he was considering various tactical options to best accommodate Emerton.

“That’s a good question,” he said when asked about how to best leverage the talents of Emerton within the system he will play.

“We have to find out the right system and the right spot for him because we have a commitment to set up the players and team around him well.”

FC trained twice on Friday with the morning session a gruelling series of physical tests done entirely without the ball. The afternoon session was set to be with the ball.

It’s understood over the next two weeks the punishing physical program will continue as the Sky Blues plan for their blockbuster October 8 opening round clash with Harry Kewell’s Melbourne Victory.

Sydney FC skipper Terry McFlynn said that the issue of captaincy was one for the coaching staff when quizzed on whether Emerton would take over the armband.

The foundation player described this opening round clash at Etihad Stadium as “massive” while hailing the signing of Emerton to the Harbour City club.

McFlynn added: “We’ve cleared a space for him in the dressing room already. We can’t wait for him to get here.”

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