And Maitland teammate Matt Thompson will be surprised if Cowburn doesn't perform and attract interest from other clubs on Wednesday night when the Magpies take on Central Coast in their FFA Cup round of 32 clash at Maitland Sportsground.

Cowburn, who made 68 A-League appearances in five seasons with his hometown club, shapes as a key player for Maitland when they take their first shot at the nationwide knockout's main draw.

It is also an opportunity for the 24-year-old midfielder or defender to show he has more to give at the top level, and Stajcic believes he does.

"I was impressed with Nick last year," Stajcic told the Newcastle Herald.

"I thought he had a good year with the Jets. And my first game that I took over, I thought he had a good game that night, so I was a bit surprised they let him go."

But whether that leads to something more at the Mariners remains to be seen. Stajcic, who took over at the A-League wooden spooners in March, has only one vacancy in his squad for a field player.

"We'll have to see," he said. "We've only got one spot left so it's very important that we use that spot well and make sure it covers as many places that we need and plugs the holes that we need filled."

Former Socceroo Thompson, who is 37 next month, said the test against A-League opposition would inspire everyone at the Magpies.

"Regardless of who's playing, whether you're me, the oldest, or the youngest, you're going to find a reason to get something out of it for yourself," Thompson said.

"In my head, you want to still be able to battle it out with the current crop, and Nick is no different.

"He was obviously let go by the Jets and he's got to find something in him, and I'm sure he's going to be out there to say, 'look, you're missing out by not taking me, and who else wants me?'

"Then you've got the 19 year old who is just looking for an opportunity.

"It's great, because it gives those players the opportunity to prove something to other people and themselves. Everyone has got something to play for."

Thompson, a veteran of 221 A-League games, said Cowburn had shown he was driven to get back to full-time football.

"He doesn't talk a lot, he's not a vocal character, he just gets the job done and he's a professional," he said.

"He's still doing those little things he picked up at the Jets. He's not coming here, putting up his feet, getting paid and going home. He still works at his game and does the extras at training, so I'd be surprised if he doesn't perform tomorrow night.

"He's definitely going to be seen and I'd be surprised if someone doesn't take an interest in him and try and take him away."

Cowburn has featured four times in the NPL since returning from a European holiday, and Maitland coach Mick Bolch said he was gradually getting back to his best.

"I think if an opportunity arose he would grab it with both hands," Bolch said.

"He's been doing really well for us and getting back to match fitness. He wouldn't have played much in the last six months, then he went overseas, but he's getting better for us each week.

"He's formed a good partnership with the Swan boys [Mat and Andrew] in the middle of the park and I've been really happy with him."

Bolch said the match was also an opportunity for Zach Thomas and James Thompson to showcase their potential.

"They are both only 19 or 20 and I think they are good enough to go to that next level," he said.

"Zach played youth football with Mariners and Jimmy was with the Jets. They've had really good years and they only need an opportunity."