The Adelaide United midfielder doesn’t blame his ill-fortune on the Beijing Games however and unlike fellow Olyroo Neil Kilkenny, doesn’t feel he’d have been better off staying at home.

The man who scored Victory’s final goal in their 2006 grand final win over the Reds told au.fourfourtwo.com: “On my first training session back with the club after the Olympics I hurt my knee and had a week off.

“I got back and then hurt my ankle. And now I’m just on my way to the dentist to get some work done. So, yes, all very frustrating.

“It’s disappointing as I’d have liked to have played in the Melbourne game. It would have been a chance to see family and friends as well.”

Sarkies believes an intriguing tussle beckons this evening though. He said: “Melbourne scored five in their last game but our defence has only conceded one goal so far.”

Tonight’s game marks the start of a hectic period for the Reds with both A-League and Asian Champions League commitments. Sarkies feels his Olyroo experiences will help him to cope with the schedule better than most.

He said: “Since the start of the Olyroos campaign and also with the ACL at Adelaide, I’ve done a lot of travelling and you learn to adjust to it.

Hopefully there won’t be any problems in that regard over the next couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to it.”

As for the Olympics, Sarkies believes he is a better footballer for the experience and says the squad gave their all in the pursuit of success in China.

He said: “I think playing against the likes of Messi and Argentina can only help you as a player and you take as much as you can from the experience.

“I’m glad I was a part of it but of course we’d have liked to have gone further.

“But now I’m just focusing on Adelaide United and trying to play as many games as I can this season and score a few goals.”