Excited Luik shocked by 'surreal' Westfield Matildas recall

Aivi Luik admits she thought her Westfield Matildas career was over prior to winning a surprise recall for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The Melbourne City midfielder received just her second cap in over six years when she came off the bench in last week's 5-0 friendly win over Thailand.

Having last been an unused squad member at the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016, an unexpected return to the international fold left Luik pinching herself.

"There was one moment in the game where I went on and for a second I was just aware of the moment, and aware of me wearing the Aussie jersey again," she told matildas.footballaustralia.com.au.

"It had been so long because I didn't get to wear it two years ago.

"It had been a while and for that one split second I noticed out of my peripheral the gold jersey, then the crowd and then playing against an international team.

"It was surreal but it made me smile inside and made me excited."

Aivi Luik
Luik in action against Thailand.

Luik has now turned her attention to emulating Australia's triumph at the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup, where she featured regularly.

While the 33-year-old says she is more "more relaxed" this time around, her desire for glory remains unchanged.

No Westfield Matildas complacency as they target Asian Cup success

"Very eager to win and I think it's possible," she said.

"That's a personal goal but also a team goal to win it, to beat the powerhouses, win every game and bring back the silverware.

"That's my goal – to help in any way I can, whether that's on the park or off the park."