When Patikas did go back overseas at 20 years of age this time he was ready.

He joined AEK Athens on the back of his impressive campaign in the former NSL which saw him named best player of the season.

He had also established himself in national team making over 20 appearances for Australia and during his seven seasons with AEK made 142 league apperances and scored 28 goals.

The former Socceroos attacker believes his experience should be viewed as a cautionary tale for Australian youngsters looking to move overseas.

“There is a lot of things to take in, it’s not just soccer,” he said.

“The kids here, most of them are in a rush. You look at Daniel Arzani, he made the Australian side and then he got the contract.

“Take away Tim Cahill who left early, all the good ones who made it overseas came through the ranks here.

“Look at the players that have gone, they get a reality check and they come back and then they go a second time and then they make it.

“A lot of kids think because they go to academies overseas that they are going to make it.

“But are they ready to get a good contract and make the senior squad?”