In encouraging news for the Caltex Socceroos, full back Ivan Franjic played 90 minutes in Melbourne City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets on Thursday night.
Franjic, 29, was laid low in August with a virus that caused issues with his heart.
The condition kept the World Cup 2014 Socceroo out of training and playing for his club for an indefinite period.
City defender ruled out indefinitely
Fantastic Fornaroli fires City past Jets
But his return to the Hyundai A-League and the fact he played a full game was a genuine positive for City.
And it also gives Caltex Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou another potential right back option ahead of World Cup qualifiers next year and the 2017 Confederations Cup.
“He did very well, he played 90 minutes after being away for a long time,” said City coach John van ‘t Schip after the game.
“He’s strong, he connected well with Bruce [Kamau] and Anthony [Caceres] – the second goal was a good example of that.
“We’re happy that he’s back and I think that was a very positive thing that we got a player back that we can use,” added van ‘t Schip.
After the win, City moved into second spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder ahead of the remaining four games in the round.
Another positive for City was the continuing goal-scoring form of their superstar Uruguayan up front.
Bruno Fornaroli became the fastest player to reach 30 Hyundai A-League goals with his brace against Newcastle.
Fornaroli currently leads the Hyundai A-League golden boot with six goals from as many matches, and has now netted five times in four league appearances against Newcastle.
