Victory duo key to climbing table

A revitalised midfield could be key to Melbourne Victory's make-or-break month ahead.

Victory are preparing for the return of captain Mark Milligan in the key defensive midfield position, providing a platform for fellow Socceroo Tom Rogic and Gui Finkler to be a creative tour de force.

After a one-on-one session on Monday, Milligan trained with the full Victory squad on Tuesday and could be recalled to the squad for Saturday's match with Central Coast just three weeks after knee surgery.

Following their trip to Gosford, Victory faces a do-or-die Asian Champions League qualifier and games against arch-rivals Melbourne Heart and Adelaide United, which will shape their season.

And while two 5-0 beltings to Wellington and Sydney are still fresh in the mind, Victory are hopeful Milligan's return and the creative pairing of Rogic and Finkler can bear fruit.

The duo made their first start together in Victory's 1-1 draw with Perth Glory on Friday night, with Finkler netting a penalty.

The Brazilian said he'd grown in confidence in recent weeks after being elevated from the role of super-sub to starter.

But he was most confident about his partnership with Rogic, on-loan from Celtic.

"He is a good player - clever and it's so easy to be in his side," Finkler said.

"He knows when you get a pass, he makes the smart run. It's easy to play with him."

Finkler also revealed the two had become fast friends, with plans to follow the Socceroo at the World Cup as a spectator.

"I'm sure I'll be in my country. Talking to Tom now, if he goes I will try to watch Australia versus Holland, it's not far away from my city," he said.

Finkler, who was laid out for almost a year with a major knee injury, insisted he was not envious of Milligan's three-week layoff after a knee operation.

"I'm not jealous. I'm feeling good because he can recover so quick," he said.

Should Milligan, who trained well on Tuesday, get through training sessions on Thursday and Friday, he is likely to start on the bench for Victory's Saturday date with Central Coast Mariners.