"I’m not here to get a suntan and to have barbies!" he told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

Tiatto, 34, wants his stint with the Brisbane based franchise to be no different to his decade in the UK where he forged a reputation as a fierce competitor in the rough house of EPL and championship footy.

And Roar’s left sided defender/midfielder is looking forward to locking horns once again with the inspirational Victory captain. “I’ve played against him a few times in England. We might kick each other during the game but we usually have a beer and a laugh after the match.

"I haven’t changed my style. And why should I? I’ve built a successful career in England based on how I play.

“I like to put my body on the line. Just like Musky.”

Tiatto’s first taste of A-League action came on the weekend in the pre-season cup against Sydney FC. A 0-0 draw in Maroochydore, in which Tiatto was yellow carded, gave the former Manchester City and Leicester star an idea of what to expect this season.

“Obviously the tempo’s slower than what I’m used to in England but it is pre-season here. But the game has improved since I left [in 1996]. The standard is quite good and you can see it’s full time professional.

"Hopefully some of the younger players can learn from the likes of myself and Sasa [Ognenovski] and Ante [Milicic]."

Tiatto says his fitness is still some way off but after settling well into the Coast is looking forward to be at his peak come opening day of the new season.

The former Melbourne Knight's message to the long-suffering Roar faithful – who’ve yet see finals footy – is simple: “Sit tight and hang on. We’ll have a real good go. I think we’ll be much improved and we aren’t just thinking about top four, we want to make that grand final.

"And hopefully I can bring some excitement to the crowd.”

Former Socceroo Tiatto (he was capped 25 times) retired from the national team just before the last World Cup qualifiers. And like many, he has been “disappointed” with the national team’s performance thus far in the Asian Cup.

“Yeah, a bit surprised. No-one wants to be a loser. As an ex player in the national team I’m disappointed but tonight against Thailand their future’s on the line.

“I thought the boys would stand out a little more.”