David Carney and Mark Milligan seized their chance to shine while representing Australia at the Asian Cup.

Now the latest Sydney Socceroos and the club’s coach would love history to repeat itself – even though it makes life more difficult for him in the Hyundai A-League.

Culina told au.fourfourtwo.com: “It’s a great opportunity for them to make an impact at international level.

"We saw what Milligan and Carney did. Now it’s Bolton and Brosquey’s turn.

"While I’m disappointed they’ll be missing for us and make our job much harder, I’m delighted for the players. That’s what it’s all about.”

He is confident their international call-up will boost both players ahead of this weekend’s clash with Adelaide United.

He said: “It lifts players. There’s nothing better than playing for your country.

"The opportunity to play against Argentina is a phenomenal one and if a player doesn’t lift for that occasion then he doesn’t belong there.”

It means Culina will be without both the Qantas Socceroo and Olyroo members of his squad in the not too distant future but he prefers to find a positive in the situation.

“It opens up opportunities for others,” he said.

Culina - who confirmed the deal to sign former Wigan keeper John Filan had now fallen through - believes Saturday’s match with Adelaide offers a chance to reflect on the local boys that ‘got away’.

Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite have made impressive scoring starts to the new season for Adelaide, although both could have been banging in the goals for Sydney had matters worked out differently.

Culina revealed: “I was aware of those guys (Burns and Djite) four or five years ago.

"In fact I think I might have at some stage recommended those two boys to people here but that’s in the past. They didn’t take them.

“It breaks my heart when I read about the New South Wales players who’ve escaped the net and were able to join other clubs.

“Sebastian Ryall’s another guy we had here but unfortunately, due to the previous management here, we were powerless to do anything about it," he added.

“That’s why we need to plan long term and look at these things with more importance than we have in the past.

“New South Wales has the greatest number of players. If you look at all the previous under 17 and 20 teams, most players have come from New South Wales.

So why does Adelaide, Melbourne and Queensland reap the benefits with our players? That’s a question we should be asking ourselves.”

As for the opposition, Culina is full of admiration for the quality in Adelaide's ranks.

He said: “Nathan Burns in particular has come a long way. He’s a real quality player. He’s got speed, good skills, beginning to read the game better.

"He’s a real potent weapon for Adelaide. Djite is still raw when it comes to his finishing but he’s very strong on the ball, very quick.

"They’re not the only players though. Did I mention Agostino?”

Mark Milligan looks almost certain to miss the match with United at Sydney Football Stadium. Culina added: “He looked pretty crook to me when I spoke to him earlier. He’s a big loss.”