Last year’s AWFA Star Goalkeeper returns against Box Hill United on Saturday, following the suspension of Abdulkerim Koc in Tuesday’s nights FFA Cup victory against Cairnlea.

Koc was shown a red card after the final whistle of the 2-0 triumph as a melee involving players, officials and spectators broke out.

It opens the door for Mildren who made his debut in round three against Dandenong City.

He has taken plenty of confidence from his recent form in the under 20s.

“I had a clean sheet on the weekend, I’ve been training well and I’ve got all the confidence in the world we can take a win,” Mildren said.

“Coming from AWFA going up into NPL 2, that one game against Dandy City, who are meant to be one of the top teams in the league, has given me a lot of confidence.

“You get a feel of where everyone is at, so if they’re meant to be the benchmark, it all becomes easier from there.

“It’s not like AWFA where you’ve got one or two really key players in each team.

“I haven’t played in this league and don’t know the players like the other boys do, so it makes you aware that anyone is a chance of scoring a goal against you.

“You’re always on your toes.”

While Murray coach Elliot Jones was frustrated to lose his starting keeper in the cup clash, he knows he has a ready-made replacement in Mildren at his disposal. 

“As soon as that was done (the red card), I was chatting to Matt and we’re really excited he comes back into the side,” Jones said.

“He’s been training really well and is in great form, so we’re really confident Matty will come in and do a great job.”

Tuesday night’s success in the FFA Cup moved Murray within two wins of reaching the final 32 teams in Australia and a potential match-up with an A-League opponent, but Jones isn’t getting too caught up in the hype.

“I don’t look at it at all to be honest, that’s for the supporters and everyone else to look at,” he said.

“All I’m worried about is Box Hill on Saturday.

“They’re two separate competitions and our next game is on Saturday and it’s for points.

“I was fortunate enough to watch Box Hill a few weeks ago and they’re a good side.

“They push the ball around well and set up really well, but I’m really confident if we bring our best we can get it done.

“We’d just love to get a win in front of our home crowd, that’s important to us.”

Striker Gonzalo Freddi didn’t make the trip on Tuesday, but Jones is confident he will be fit to play, despite battling a niggling knee complaint.

Saturday’s kick-off is at 3pm at La Trobe.