Wilkshire ended his second stint at Dynamo Moscow on May 14 amid emotional scenes in a game against FC Shinnik Yaroslavl in the Russian second tier.

Now as the Socceroos prepare for June's showdown on Russian soil - where Wilkshire played eight seasons - the right back is reminded of another Confederations Cup.

The 2005 tournament proved a turning point in Wilkshire's own international career.

While he didn’t get on the park, being around the senior players provided valuable experience ahead of the 2006 World Cup assault, where he was a surprise inclusion by coach Guus Hiddink.

"For 10-12 years, almost everyone in the national team played in the top European leagues in England, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands,” the 35-year-old told FIFA.com.

“Now a lot of guys play in Australia. Maybe the Confederations Cup will be a springboard for some of the young players, like it was for me."

Australia failed to win a match in 2005, but were runners-up to Brazil in 1997 and third in 2001.

“By playing against Germany, Chile and Cameroon, we’ll be able to see where we are in our development,” Wilkshire said of the upcoming tournament.

“Australia haven’t beaten a top country for a while, so why not now? Our national team is never afraid of anybody, so they can spring another surprise at the Confederations Cup."

The World Cup veteran and 80-capped Socceroo was an early casualty of Postecoglou’s Socceroos rejuvenation. 

Still playing for the Green and Gold, however, is Wilkshire's former teammate Tim Cahill, who at 37 is used more as an impact player off the bench.

The defender described Cahill as a "genius in the air" who only needs "10 minutes to score”.

He added: "Cahill is a real icon, but I’d say the best footballer in Australian history is Harry Kewell.

“He had a unique way of striking the ball, the same technique that separates the superstars from just good players. Harry could decide the outcome of any game on his own.”

In the lead-up to his final game for Dynamo - where he had become a peripheral figure in their promotion campaign - Wilkshire was described on the club’s website as a player who “gave himself a 100 per cent” and “deserved the sincere love of the fans.”

Wilkshire responded: “Everyone knows how I love Dynamo, how I like the fans of the club. I will always wish blue and white only victories in all matches and tournaments, but I will go out on my own in the T-shirt Dynamo on my home match for the last time.

“Our team this season has done an excellent job, ahead of time securing a gold medal. After the match with Shinnik will be awarded the championship cup.

"In addition, I know that it is planned to honor the veterans of Dynamo on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Cup Winners' Cup.

"I wish that as many fans as possible share the joy with the team and veterans. Well, I hope to hear again the chanting of "Luke! Luke! Luke! "Full of tributes.”

A former stalwart of the Eredivisie and EPL, the Moscow-based Aussie spoke glowingly of his Russian wife Kristina, his two children and an unexpected love for “borsch and black bread”.

A few years ago he converted to Orthodox Christianity and was christened under the name Luka. He told FIFA.com: "My wife and I live under the same roof and share the same lives. If she’s Orthodox, then that means so am I."