LIVINGSTON, SCOTLAND - JULY 24: Neil Kilkenny in action for Preston North End at the Pre Season Friendly between Motherwell and Preston North End at the City Stadium on July 24th, 2015 in Livingston, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)

New Melbourne City midfielder Neil Kilkenny is excited with just how far football in Australia has progressed, and has compared it to the style of play in England.

The 30-year-old has played his last 12 seasons in England's Championship division, but after coming over to Australia in the off-season, the midfielder knows this is the way he wants to play football.

“They (England) probably look for the physical aspect before the technical aspect which in my opinion for England as a nation to change the way they play might be the best way to do it if they want to do well internationally,” Kilkenny said.

“Very different (football in Australia), playing the way we want to play and I'm really enjoying the way the manager and the coaching staff are trying to get us to play the game.

“I've been saying for years this is the way the game should be played and not many teams play this way in England, I couldn't even count on one hand, so I'm definitely enjoying it.”

Kilkenny spent time at Birmingham City, Oldham Athletic, Leeds United, Bristol City and Preston North End over in England before City came calling in July.