The former Socceroo has been battling an ankle problem for quite some time and his campaign has been disrupted by injury, a hamstring issue also limiting his appearances.

"I've been struggling with the ankle," Skoko told the Herald Sun. "It's been sore all week. Today was the first time I trained at 80 per cent and I hope to get few more intense sessions in.

"I think I've got 90 (minutes) in me as long as the injury stays OK. The body will be up for 90, especially as it's a derby and hopefully the ankle won't play up."

Skoko has played in some big derby games during his career but he cannot wait to be part of the first ever Melbourne A-League derby.

"Everyone's buzzing," he added. "After all the hype with the AFL, it's our turn."