He hasn’t even put the pens and pencils away yet - with his HSC exams still ahead of him - and Payne didn’t expect to be thrown into the mix so soon.

But with the likes of John Aloisi, Mark Bridge, Alex Brosque and Brendon Santalab unavailable for Sydney’s first game of the season, the rising star plans to take his opportunity.

He said: "I’ve just got to go out there and do my best and see what happens.

“There’s a bit of pressure I suppose, but I’m just really looking forward to playing.”

The former Manly United forward impressed during a number of guest appearances for Sydney during its pre-season campaign, but he knows making an impression in the A-League will be a different story all together.

“It’s a dream come true to be part of the Sydney side,” he said. “The A-League is getting stronger every season and I’m just excited to be a part of it," he said.

Sydney boss John Kosmina is realistic about the challenge facing his young charge, but believes he has the ability to make it as a professional footballer.

He said: "Payney has a good head on his shoulders. He needs to keep working hard and developing his game, but the kid showed us a bit during the trials and I think he has a bright future.”