Merely a year ago, De Silva was put through the paces of a post-game warm down following the Central Coast Mariners’ FFA Cup loss to Blacktown City. The game was his official return to Australian football following an underwhelming period in The Netherlands with Roda JC. His substitute appearance was not enough to help best a spirited Blacktown side in a night of dismay for Paul Okon and his young Mariners side.

2017/18 was set up to be De Silva’s chance to reignite his career in a well-balanced Mariners squad lead by the ambitious Okon, whom De Silva was fond of, following his time with Australia’s U20s setup.

Predicted as a Socceroos bolter for the World Cup, his spot was eventually taken by Melbourne City’s (and now Celtic’s) Daniel Arzani. Undeniably it was a deserved call up for the up and coming talent, cited as the best young Australian player since Harry Kewell.

De Silva: I wasn't a rebel on strike

Like Arzani, De Silva has been touted as the next ‘big thing’ for the Socceroos because of his nature as a player. At such a young age both demonstrated the qualities the Socceroos seemingly lack depth in - unafraid to take the game on, technically superior to those around them and able to change a game within a moment.

Such an elusive and competitive bolter spot in the Australian squad was set up to be De Silva’s, a chance he lost to Arzani as the season wore on and the Mariners faced a wooden spoon battle. While the diminutive attacking midfielder played for a Mariners side built around him, the squad found goals the hardest to come by despite all their impressive build up play.