Corey Gameiro is determined to make the most of his move to Fulham.

Gameiro generated much hype when, as a South Coast Wolves player, he made his NSW Premier League debut aged just 15. He burst onto the scene with a flurry of goals and match-winning performances.

As a result, it wasn’t long before a number of English clubs came calling, with Liverpool, Sunderland and Sheffield United leading the way initially. A Liverpool fan from a young age, Gameiro jumped at the chance to join his boyhood favourites, but his hopes of a permanent move were dashed despite impressing the Reds’ coaching staff.

“You could say that this is my second chance,” striker Gameiro told fulhamfc.com. “I spent a bit of time at Liverpool, but for a few reasons it didn’t quite work out. When I had to go home, of course, I was really disappointed and I did wonder whether a similar chance would arise again.

“Fortunately, not long after, Fulham asked me over for a trial. It’s a long way to go for things not to work out, but it’s a gamble worth taking. I’ve almost been here a year now, and it’s a period that has gone very quickly.

“It’s been good so far, and I like to think I have made progress. I certainly feel like I have become a better player. Physically I’m a lot stronger and tactically I take up better positions now. As a former defender Kit Symons has taught me the things that defenders don’t like forwards to do.

“This is a full-time job. It’s six days a week; at the training ground or playing a game, arriving at 8am in the morning and leaving at 4pm. It’s tough, but this is a serious game.

“I lived just down the coast from Sydney where things are a lot more relaxed. A typical day would usually involve a trip to the beach. It’s a very different culture and lifestyle here. It’s fair to say that a professional football club is one of the most demanding environments.”