MELBOURNE Knights may have been away from the national spotlight since 2004 but the club’s almost unrivalled production line looks set to continue.

Gun attacker Stipo Andrijasevic’s attacking talents and persistence look set to finally be rewarded as he heads to New Zealand on Monday for a trial with Wellington Phoenix.

Andrijasevic spearheads a Knights side that returns to the national stage tonight when they host WA side Cockburn City at Knights Stadium in the FFA Cup Round of 32.

Knights coach Andrew Marth has left no stone unturned for this encounter, travelling to Perth with assistant Frank Juric to scout Cockburn.

media_camera Melbourne Knights striker Stipo Andrijasevic is set for a shot at the A-League.

Marth, a club legend and former Socceroo, said the club’s first home match since the FFA Cup started in 2014 is a momentous day for the two-time NSL champions.

“We’ve strived to succeed in the FFA Cup since day dot, we had a disappointing loss two years ago but it’s huge for the club getting back on the national stage,’’ Marth said.

“The concept is superb and full credit to Fox Sports for getting behind it, and I’m pleading with Knights fans and the whole of Victoria to support us. It won’t be easy.’’

Now 22, Andrijasevic, who made his senior state league debut with Dandenong City age 16, could finally get a crack at the A-League after injury set him back. The versatile attacker was on the verge of promotion from Melbourne City’s youth team a few years ago before he was felled by a knee reconstruction.

“I’m excited and confident about my ability to go to the next level and this is a great opportunity (at Phoenix),’’ Andrijasevic said.

“I had a great time at Melbourne Heart and had a couple of chances, the injury didn’t go my way. I felt I’ve played well the last four years, and hopefully I can make most of it (the trial).

“My priority is the FFA Cup and this is one of the biggest games of my career.’’

media_camera Andrijasevic’s deserves his opportunity after coming back from injury.

Marth, who captained some of Australia’s best exports in Mark Viduka, Danny Tiatto and Josip Simunic, said Andrijasevic can go on.

“One on one I don’t think there’s anyone better in the league. He’s broken some games open and he’s a versatile attacker,’’ Marth said.

“He was exceptional last season and thought he deserved an A-League chance. He’s continued his good form and really matured and now he’s got the opportunity at Wellington.

“If that doesn’t come to fruition there’s interest elsewhere, but he can make the next step, he’s grown as a player and a man since being given handed the vice-captaincy.’’