Emerton returns to field of dreams

Sydney will play its round four match against Perth at Homebush because the surface of its home ground Allianz Stadium is being relaid.

Emerton will face Ian Ferguson's side almost seven years after playing a key role in Australia's victory on penalties over Uruguay that gave the Socceroos a ticket to the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Emerton, who grew up in Sydney's west, said that his return to one of his favourite grounds brings back many happy memories.

"I've had some of the best memories so far in my footballing career in here," Emerton said during a promotion at ANZ for the A-League match.

"Obviously that special night against Uruguay (is up there) in November 2005 and also the opening of this stadium in June 1999.

"I was lucky enough to play in that match against the FIFA All Stars.

"Both games were played in front of big crowds and were both special events that left me with many happy memories.

"Hopefully I can add another one to the list on Sunday.

"ANZ is a fantastic stadium and what a great opportunity for not only me but all the boys to get to play here.

"We are all looking forward to it and hopefully we can put in another good performance as we did in the derby at the weekend."

While Emerton was engaging in his customary marathons up and down the right flank for 110 minutes of that playoff against the Uruguayans, a young Bankstown boy was overwhelmed by the biggest football crowd he had ever seen while he was watching the drama unfold as a spectator.

Sydney midfielder Terry Antonis was only 11 in 1995 but he still clearly remembers the day that changed Australian football and made him yearn for a professional career.

"I was sitting up there in one of the boxes," Antonis said, pointing to the spot from where he watched the match.

"I remember Mark Bresciano scoring in the first half and the place just went berserk and John Aloisi putting away the decisive penalty and then taking his shirt off and running around the ground.

"Everyone just lost it. The atmosphere went wild.

"That night made me even more determined to play for Australia one day.

"I made my Sydney debut at this ground in a pre-season match against Everton in 2010.

"So I'd love to play a part in the match with Perth.

"But it's up to the gaffer if I play or not and I'm happy with what he decides.”

Emerton said he had not given up hope of returning to the Socceroos fold.

"That's been my aim since coming back from surgery six months ago," he said.

"I've got three games under my belt now and feeling stronger with each game."

Emerton has played 92 times for Australia.

Sunday's match that kicks off at 5pm is expected to draw 25,000 people.