While in the UK during his spell with Palace from 2001 to 2006, Popovic, now 35, took a number of coaching badges, including his UEFA "B" licence.

"Obviously one of my goals would be to coach in Europe. Why not? You've got to dream," Popovic told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"As a player I dreamed about playing for my country, I dreamed about playing in Europe and I dreamed about playing at a World Cup

"And in the end I was fortunate to fulfil those dreams."

The FC captain has an impressive playing CV. It includes 58 caps for Australia which included a World Cup in 2006, and over a decade in the professional ranks of Japan, England and Qatar.

"So if I do get into the coaching aspect, it's still on the backburner right now. It's not a priority. I'm still concentrating on playing, but it's something I'd like to get into when I'm finished playing.

"Where one challenge ends another begins."

Popovic's spell at Palace from 2001 to 2006 saw him eventually being named captain at the London club that's now home to Socceroo Nicky Carle.

And Popovic is open minded on the idea of one day coaching Palace.

"Why not that be one of my goals if I get to coach over in Europe? There's nothing wrong with dreaming and if I get into coaching it'd be one of my dreams," he said.

Palace is close to Popovic's heart. He played 123 times for the Eagles before leaving for a spell in Qatar in 2006 en-route back to his hometown club Sydney FC.

The big defender returned to the club last April. Clearly, he's still held in high regard at Selhurst Park.

He admitted: "I loved it. I had a great time there, six odd years at Palace and I've still got some good friends there.

"I caught up with the chairman, coaches, players and went to dinner with them after a game.

"You can't close the door on anything. I'd love to one day maybe go back to Europe somewhere.

"I have great memories there. And I'm always welcome to go back there. Hopefully that continues and it's great to see another Aussie there. We've had a few there."

That Australian is of course Carle – an off-season signing from fellow Championship club Bristol City.

"Neil Warnock was asking me about him," recalled Popovic. "Carle played against them in the play-offs [last season] and was probably Bristol's best player in both games.

"So that probably got him over the line and he can play in a big match under pressure home and away - and that's the kind of player clubs are looking for."