Necevski, 36, made the switch to Gosford in the off-season, having been Vedran Janjetovic’s deputy at Sydney FC last campaign.

Walmsley confirmed Necevski had won the battle with Paul Izzo to start against Green Gully and hoped he would excel this term.

“Ivan is a very experienced keeper. This is an opportunity for him to make his mark at the Mariners,” Walmsley said.

“Paul Izzo is training fantastically well as is Tommy Heward-Belle.

“Ivan is new, he’s a senior pro and he sees this an opportunity to hold down a number one spot which he hasn’t had for the last decade.

“He’s training really well. He gives us a lot of composure and calm out the back.

“It’s a good opportunity to expose him to life at the Mariners in a competitive environment.”

Walmsley was less forthright in confirming the role fellow new recruits Mickael Tavares and Jacques Faty would have against the Cavaliers.

“They’ve both put themselves in contention,” Walmsley said. “They started behind everybody else.

“As much as we’d like to get everyone on the pitch who’s fit, able and willing, there’s also a big integration part of pre-season where new players, with the calibre they’ve got, to have them in the squad on away trips is something which we consider.”