A goal from Mathew Leckie overnight for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin saw his team salvage a 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim and offered yet another reminder of how indispensable he is to the Socceroos.
Having netted mid-week for the Socceroos in a 3-0 win against Lebanon as a substitute, the 27-year-old made the most of his first start this season for Berlin as he pounced to grab his side's second before playing a hand in the third.
Still shaking off an injury that kept him sidelined to start the season, Leckie is very quickly getting back to his best and has arguably been Australia's most consistent performer for club and country over the past few years.
While his goal return for the green and gold has been far from prolific - nine from 59 games - he has popped up at important moments having scored a late winner over Thailand in September last year.
Statistical returns aside, Leckie's overall performances for the Socceroos have rarely left much to be desired with his work rate and output down the right an invaluable asset for Australia.
His delightful cross for Tim Cahill in a World Cup play-off against Syria just one example of the superb service he's capable of.
Now into his fourth straight season of football in Germany's top-flight, Leckie is one of few Australians that are getting regular minutes at such a high level and it's a situation the Socceroos have and will continue to reap the rewards of.
While a new era under Graham Arnold means fresh competition for places, particularly in the final third, Leckie's spot in the starting eleven is one of very few guarantees.
If anything, Arnold might just be the man to get even more out of Leckie's promise in the green and gold as he his let off the leash in front of goal with the early signs very promising.
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