SEVEN years after his debut, four managers and just eight national caps - it's taken Alex Brosque an eternity to get his feet under the table as a Socceroo, but he's hoping this month's World Cup qualifying double-header could signal his breakthrough.

Brosque, 28, has been regarded as an outstanding talent since he burst onto the scene as a teenager with Marconi Stallions, but the reality has taken a long time to match the potential.

Alex Brosque. Credit:Getty Images

It was his move from Sydney FC to Japan at the start of the year which took his game to another level, and new Socceroos boss Holger Osieck has been the beneficiary.

Brosque scored his first goal for the national team - the winner in the opening World Cup qualifier against Thailand in September - and backed it up with a brace in the friendly against Malaysia a month later.