“I played against him in the reserves about two weeks ago for Newcastle United against Liverpool. Harry looked good. He scored a goal,” Troisi told au.fourfourtwo.com today after Olyroo training on the Central Coast.

“I just said a quick hello and that - but I'm not sure if he knew who I was,” Troisi added of his fleeting meet with the Socceroo talisman.

“Obviously I was trying to concentrate on my own game but you can take some things from all the best players in the world to make you a better player.”

Troisi has been dubbed “The New Kewell”. Like the Liverpool flyer, Troisi likes to run at defences from deep with pace and has a keen eye for goal.

“Obviously when you hear you're compared to a great player like Harry, it's flattering, but I just want to by my own player," said Troisi.

"I want to stay level headed, keep working hard and believe in myself."

Troisi may be saying hello to Kewell sooner rather than later, with some tipping the teenager to make the Socceroo squad.

“I've just got to work hard and wait for the opportunity if it comes," he said. "If it did come, I'd be looking forward to it.”

But in the meantime, Troisi will be hoping his brush with Kewell gives him an edge ahead of one of the most crucial games in Aussie football’s recent history.

The Olyroos play fellow table-topper Iraq on Saturday night in Gosford. Arnie’s young Aussies must win to give themselves a chance of qualifying next year's Olympics.

Qualification would also mean this group of players will have the luxury of a raft of quality games in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics. For such a talented group, it's crucial to succeed at Bluetongue on Saturday night - and the players know it.

“It's a crucial game. We've got to play smart and be aware,” said Troisi. “They can hurt you. They've got some good players.

“But we've got to do the business and score early and seal the game up as soon as possible.”

Quizzed on whether the Iraqis would put up a brick wall and go for a draw (with a slightly better goal ratio, this would suit the visitors who arrived today) and Troisi was unfazed.

He added: “Then we've got to work even harder to take the opportunities as they come.”