Warren not forgotten by Farina after being left back in Scotland Few positions have been as problematic for Sydney FC as left-back but Marc Warren believes he can end the club's search for a long-term holder of the position. The 21-year-old is the latest in a long list of players who have been given a chance to cement a place on the left side of defence and, despite the unsuccessful past of those before him, he said his experience makes him the perfect candidate. Not since the club's inaugural left-back Alvin Ceccoli made an abrupt departure for Japan in 2007 has a player been first choice in that role beyond two seasons, a fact Sky Blues fan Warren knows well. At least eight more players have been trialled in that position since Ceccoli, and three last season. Since his early teens, Warren watched at Moore Park as those before him tried their luck in the role only to either fall down the pecking order, depart or be deemed surplus to requirements. "Obviously being a Sydney boy, I followed them and I watched the likes of Ceccoli and Shannon Cole playing left-back, and Fabio, and it's just about being consistent," Warren said. He was once one of the brightest prospects at the Central Coast Mariners youth academy, and alongside Trent Sainsbury was invited to trial with then English Championship club Sheffield United. Warren was selected ahead of the Mariners current starting central defender to sign with the Blades and later joined Scottish Division One club Airdrie United, where he became a regular starter. His stint in Scotland meant he fell off the radar to many back home, but one coach kept an eye on his progress and was quick to sign him once his deal with Airdrie ended. He's definitely one of the solutions, that's the reason I signed him because I've known Marc since he was nine years old. He's always played on that left-hand side. I think his experience overseas has helped him mature as a player," Sydney FC coach Frank Farina said. He's full of energy, full of ambition, the hunger, the desire, he's a young kid ... he's had a stint in Scotland and in England and I think he's got a point to prove for himself. The year north of Glasgow was tough, and adjusting to the harsh winters of Scotland was never going to be easy for a boy used to the beaches of NSW. He said it was the toughest year of his life but he was quick to acknowledge it was also the most important step of his development as a footballer. Tough place to live ... and it was a tough league. We didn't do as well as we wanted to but it was a good experience ... From England to Scotland, different leagues - [it] wasn't for me," Warren said. He played in a competition that values physicality over possession but saw enough of what he didn't like, to learn the style he wanted to display. "There's always someone bigger and harder," Warren said. If you're smart and keep things simple the way you play, you don't need to be like that ... if you play smart football, you don't need to be like that. I've grown as a player in the way I'm more calm on the ball. I'm not as aggressive as I was, I've calmed down and I've learnt to deal with situations. Warren is at a club he regards as home and does not plan to leave soon. "I'm fighting for everything," he said. Now I'm back, that's it. I'm going to be the best left-back I can be. Twitter - @DomBossi