The Japan-based winger - who flourished under Arnold’s astute influence during two trophy-laden years together with the Central Coast Mariners - is set to be included in the 30-man squad selected by Arnold for a national team training camp in Turkey during the September FIFA window.
The camp, which runs for six days at the beginning of the month, will give Arnold a chance to assess players he feels may have slipped through the net, as well as rising youngsters like Daniel Arzani.
At 27, Duke falls into the former category as he bids to add to his four caps, the last of which came in a 6-0 hammering against Brazil back in 2013.
He’s been a regular for J1 Shimizu S.Pulse over the last four seasons.
It’s competition Arnold knows all about from his playing days with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and a brief coaching stint at Vegalta Sendai.
Speaking prior to a decision being made on whether the Socceroos door would open for him again or not, Duke said he hoped Arnold would have him scouted, something which didn’t occur during the four-year reign of Ange Postecoglou.
“Arnie knows all about the league up here and I think he’s a coach who got the best out of me with the Mariners,” added Duke.
“I had a lot of success under him and he’s somebody who believed in me.
“He gave me the best mental state as a footballer. We won the championship and premiership with the Mariners and I was playing as an out-and-out striker under him.
“It’s been a while since I played striker but if I was thrown in there again it would be interesting to see how I go.
“I’m not expecting a call up but it would be great if he had me watched at some stage.”
It seems Arnold has done just that as he seeks new attacking faces for a Socceroos side unable to score from open play in exiting at the group stage of the World Cup.
Duke is one of Australian football’s quiet achievers, surviving in the highly-charged arena of top-flight Japanese football where he’s better known for his assists than his goals.
While he was an automatic starter last season, new Swedish coach Jan Jonsson has employed a rotation system this year with 15 of Duke’s 23 appearances in all competitions coming off the bench.
Only four foreigners can be included in a match day squad under J-League rules, and mid-table S.Pulse have five on their books.
Duke has been a victim of that, though he says he’s been treated fairly, adding that when he’s started the team have been winning.
“My general play has been good but what’s hurt me a bit is my mental side in front of goal,” admitted Duke, who has scored just once this season.
“It’s a disappointing aspect of my game. But I’ve had a number of assists, which is pleasing.
“I survived so long in this league because I genuinely help the team in general play. And that’s what the coaches see first hand.
“I still have a dream about getting back in the national team and of course I’d love to score more because goals get headlines.
“Because I haven’t been making headlines there might be a few people who wouldn’t even know I’m still playing!”
The ever thorough Arnold clearly isn’t among them.
