Milligan, who has become an automatic pick under the reign of coach Ange Postecoglou, raised question marks in the minds of some when he quit Melbourne Victory in July for a rich two-year contract with Abu Dhabi-based Baniyas in July.
But early evidence suggests the quality of his performances for the green and gold have suffered no adverse reaction from his move to the little known competition, with the combative 30-year-old’s desire and drive as acute as ever.
He has been in commanding form in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers, taking on extra responsibility in the absence of injured skipper Mile Jedinak.
Heading into Friday morning’s (AEST) Group B duel against second-placed Jordan in Amman (the Socceroos head the section by two points after three games) Milligan is poised to continue proving any doubters wrong.
“I don’t think for Ange it’s about what league you are playing in … it’s how well you are doing for your club and how you perform when you come into camp,” he said.
“If I do go into camp but underdone then I am sure he would be first to pick upon it. There are a few of us in a similar category (attacker James Troisi has recently moved to Saudi Arabian side Ittihad FC) and I make sure when I go into camp I’m in the best shape possible and I am doing everything to keep myself in the mix.
“It’s all about doing a job for Ange and for your country – and if I keep doing that hopefully I will remain involved.
“If I fall off the pace, I am sure he won’t be scared to make a change.”
In unison with his teammates, Milligan sees the clash against a technically sound and attack-minded Jordan as the danger game of the group, and he remembers well how the Socceroos succumbed 2-1 against the side now coached by Belgian Paul Put just over three years ago in a World Cup qualifier in Amman.
“I wasn’t involved in that match but played against them with the Olympic team and we were travelling quite well but drew 2-2 there. It’s always a tough trip and this will be no different,” he said.
“They will have huge support behind them. They are definitely no slouches and are capable of playing some excellent football at times.”
Jordan, ranked 99 in the world, is coming into the game off the back of a 4-0 slaying of group lightweight Bangladesh.
“When these teams face us, particularly now we are Asian champions, they seem to grow an extra leg, and with the success we have had it maybe gives them a little bit of extra motivation,” Milligan said.
“We have made a point of trying to do away from home what we do at home in terms of our approach and the style of football we play. We will go there an attack them, try and dominate and play our passing game.”
After three straight wins belief is brimming in the Socceroos ranks.
“The players have a lot of trust and faith in each other," Milligan said.
“Obviously Ange has the way he wants to do things and we believe in that way and you are seeing that in the way we have been performing lately.
“Even players who haven’t been in the team long seem to come in and fit in straight away, the environment is excellent at the moment and everybody is on the same page.
"Having the likes of Tom Rogic back also brings us that extra quality and the competition in the team is intense right now. It's bringing out the best in all of us.
"The football we are playing is enjoyable and everybody wants to be a part of it.”
Milligan has taken well to his new surrounds in the Emirates and has emerged as leader in a young side which includes three full UAE internationals and a smattering of its Under-23 team.
“The people and players are very accepting. We have a Spanish coach (former Levante and Getafe mentor Luis Garcia) and we have some very good foreigners and some young enthusiastic players coming through," he said.
“The level is good, there are some quality players. As a foreigner you are expected set an example and be a leader and offer that extra professionalism.
“It’s about the way you do things away from the field as well as on it. All our staff our Spanish, including our fines coach and we are starting to introduce an ultra-professional environment.
"They have also brought in a nutritionist which is something new and we are really trying to step things up.”
