Milligan has signed on the dotted line at EnergyAustralia Stadium after enduring frustration in his quest to land an overseas deal.

Petrovski believes Gary van Egmond has landed a quality addition ahead of the match and if Milligan does feature against the Mariners then the home team will need to be on their guard.

But while Petrovski is delighted to see Milligan back in the A-League, the 'welcome home' mat will be swiftly whipped away once the whistle blows for kick off on Friday.

The Mariners forward told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “He’s a good bloke (Milligan) and someone you’d love to have playing with you rather than against you.

“He’s a strong character, a good lad and he has a real desire to win things. It’s good to have him back in the A-League.

“There will be people who will give him stuck but I’m sure he’ll just want to get out there and play. He’ll be really hungry for football as he hasn’t played (club football) for so long.”

Petrovski admits there is no reason why Milligan’s desire for football overseas shouldn’t be realised in the future.

He said: “If you are doing the business and having success then you know people are watching but as I said, I’m sure he just wants to concentrate on his football.

“I think he will be a stronger lad for it (the last few months).

Milligan’s potential involvement will ensure plenty of added interest in a fixture that needs very little hype.

The first meeting of the season ended in a 1-1 draw at EnergyAustralia Stadium and Petrovski says the Mariners are looking to make home advantage count.

He said: “We want to get the win for ourselves and our supporters and after the disappointment of losing to New Zealand on Sunday we’re glad it’s only a short turnaround to this match on Friday.

“Hopefully we can put that result behind us and come away with the points.”