Grella is expected to be involved in Saturday’s clash at Bolton Wanderers after playing just 45 minutes of football so far this campaign due to a calf injury.

Having spent a decade in Italy, Grella admits it is a challenge to get to grips with a very different competition but he's confident it won't take him too long to embrace it.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I am confident I can adapt to the English game.

"I don’t think it is going to be an overnight thing, having played for so long in one country you do need a little bit of time."

Not that Grella believes having played in Italy so long is a barrier to being successful in the whirlwind that is the Premier League.

He said: "Being in Italy for so long can only help me though. They have very good tactical awareness and that is the key for playing in the centre of midfield."

The big difference Grella has found is the English love of pushing forward in pursuit of more goals rather than the more cautious approach found in Italian football.

“There is a massive speed difference to Italy and even the away teams go all out for three points here. It is attack versus attack, which it definitely isn’t in Italy.

“There is a real intensity and attacking mentality to the English game and it is only natural I will need time to get used to it," he said.

Grella's return to action will also be welcome news for Pim Verbeek as he looks to Australia's next World Cup qualifier.