AUSTRALIA’S most exciting prospect Daniel De Silva has opened up on the commando-style pre-season regimen he hopes can cement him as a first-team regular.

De Silva has returned to Melbourne after his debut European season to work with renowned strength, conditioning and high-performance coach Tim Schleiger.

Three weeks into his gruelling month-long regimen, pint-sized De Silva declared that Dutch club Roda JC would see a different player report for pre-season next month.

The Olyroo made 11 appearances but just one start in his debut Dutch campaign after signing from Perth Glory, though he was confident of adding to that in 2016-17.

“Physicality is what you can continually work on and growing up I didn’t have that side to my game, which is why I didn’t play much,’’ De Silva said.

“Now I’m working hard and there’s no excuses any more, certainly not that (physical) excuse. The main objective is to get myself really strong and fit and build a really solid foundation.

“I’m 19, but when I get into those physical battles with men or a big centre-half, I need to be able to hold my own in those duels.

“I’ve always been agile, I’m not coming here to lose that, but so when I get into those battles I can give a bit back and be a harder player.

“Also repeat efforts. If I can only do, say, five short bursts, now I’m training to do 15 or 20, which makes you more dangerous for longer.’’

The tailored De Silva regimen has been masterminded by Schleiger, a guru who works with AFL players and Test cricketers and oversees every session, and former Socceroo and agent Vince Grella.

Daniel De Silva hopes new training regimen pays dividends next season. Source: News Corp Australia

“It’s the first time I’ve done real one on one training like this, it’s really specific for me and what I need,’’ he said.

“We do different sessions each day. Sometimes on the field, working on physicality, running and trying to be more explosive.

“Then gym work, with weights and a really focus on core with the stomach, glutes and quads.

“We’ve had a few sessions in the pool, swimming, which is probably the most difficult.

“Match fitness is another thing but it’s been a hard few weeks, I’m enjoying it and I’m working with a great trainer. I feel way fitter than what I did going into camp three weeks ago and by the end I’ll be ready to go.’’