Chris Sullivan returns to Para Hills after six years playing professionally in Greece

CHRIS Sullivan hopes his experience playing in the red-hot atmosphere of European soccer can help fire Para Hills to the SA Premier League finals.

CHRIS Sullivan hopes his experience playing in the red-hot atmosphere of European soccer can help fire Para Hills to the SA Premier League finals.

Sullivan returned to the Paddocks last month after a six-year stint playing professionally in the Greek third division, most recently for Odysseas Kordelio.

The 24-year-old defender plans to pass on to his Knights teammates some of the knowledge gained playing in Thessaloniki derbies in front of 10,000 fans.

"The Greeks are so passionate about their football - they look forward all week to going to the game to cheer on their local team," Sullivan says.

"When I was younger I used to think if you were the quickest and the most skilful you would be the best, but I learnt in those big games it's all about the psychology and your mindset."

Sullivan grew up in Gawler and played for Elizabeth Grove and St Augustine's as a junior before joining Para Hills.

He departed for Greece as an 18-year-old in 2007 and after stints with several clubs, signed for Apollon Kalamarias in 2011.

"I was really young and naive when I went over there at first and I had to do a lot of growing up.

"But once you get settled and pick up a bit of the language you feel more comfortable and more confident.

"The whole football life is brilliant - you don't have to wake up and worry about going to work."

The Knights had a poor start to the Premier League season, winning just one of their first seven matches.

But a recent run of just two losses in 11 games has propelled the club to eighth and the verge of a top-six finals spot.

"It's really good to be back and straight away you feel comfortable," Sullivan says.

"We have a very strong team and have been unlucky with some results, but it's a young team so it took them those first few months to hit their straps."

After picking up a red card against MetroStars in round 19, Sullivan returned to claim best on ground honours in the win over Enfield.

He says he aims to guide the Knights to the finals and catch the eye of an A-League club.

"It's about staying fit and getting some matches, while helping the club (Para Hills) out at the same time."