Skoko, currently plying his trade in Croatia, once said Talay was the best player never to have played for Australia.

Talay, in an interview last year, felt that playing in Turkey for the earlier part of his career could have created a 'out of sight, out of mind' situation.

In an interview with the Full 90 during season three of the A-League, he said of the tag: "Yes, I've got to thank him (Skoko) for that little quote. I suppose it's a sort of bitterweet compliment in a way."

But with Pim Verbeek intent on using A-League players for Asian Cup purposes, Talay hopes the Fury switch can reignite the international dream.

Talay was checking out his new club this week along with fellow new boys Brendon Santalab and James Robinson.

He told the Townsville Bulletin: "It's never too late to play for your country so hopefully it will happen."

Robinson joked that being part of the same team as Robbie Fowler might not be ideal, despite both being Scousers.

"As a player, no it's fantastic to play alongside the quality of Robbie," saidhe former Perth Glory man. "It should be good but there will be a bit of banter thrown about because I'm an Evertonian.

"It's going to be exciting being part of a new club from the beginning. It's a fantastic side, Fergie's put together a good hard-working footballing team."