Sydney FC recruit wants Socceroos return

McGowan has been on the outer of the Socceroos squad since 2017 but aims to use his return to Australia as a springboard for selection.

"From a personal point of view it's a great thing to look back on, that I have had three games in a World Cup and been lucky enough to represent my country 20 times," McGowan told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.

"But you can't rest on your laurels.

"I'm here to make an impression and get back in that national team squad and hopefully add to the 20."

The 29-year-old will feature in the A-League for the first time, coinciding with his brother Dylan's return to Australia after signing with Sydney FC's bitter rival, Western Sydney.

"It will be interesting to see who the aunties and uncles pick, which side they will sit in," McGowan said.

"It (the transfers) happened around the same time.

"I had a few phone calls from a few different A-League clubs but as soon as Sydney called ... I was really excited and got everything done pretty quickly to be honest.

"Dylan said pretty much the same happened with Western Sydney.

"So it's good for us, we have both lived away for a long time. I have been overseas for 13 years."

McGowan has played more than 300 games for five clubs in Scotland, three in China and one each in England and the United Arab Emirates.

He said playing in Sydney FC blockbusters such as the derby and against Melbourne Victory was a lure to return.

"It's such a huge appeal to come over and join Sydney because they have so many big games, arguably the biggest club in the A-League, the most successful club," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for me to come back home and really stamp my authority on the league and hopefully win a few things while I'm here."

Australian Associated Press