Australian footballers continue to make their mark across the globe, with key performances in Scotland, Portugal, and Korea, while some players face injury worries. Front Page Football's Ross Papadakis wraps up the best from the overseas contingent in our Aussies abroad report.
Kusini Yengi returned to action for Portsmouth on the weekend after a lengthy injury layoff. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
Mixed injury news for Pompey Aussies
After just over three months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Kusini Yengi made his long-awaited return for Portsmouth, playing 28 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Luton Town. The Australian striker will be eager to build match fitness as Pompey pushes for safety.
Pompey boss John Mousinho has outlined the club's intention to take up a 12-month option in Yengi's contract as his existing deal comes to a close. Yengi is now into the final six months of his current agreement, signed when he arrived from the Western Sydney Wanderers in the summer of 2023.
However, it wasn't all positive news for our Aussies at Portsmouth, with Hayden Matthews ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury. The promising defender is set for a six-to-eight-week recovery period, halting his breakthrough campaign.
Meanwhile, Jacob Farrell remains sidelined. Thomas Waddingham has only played 11 minutes since his debut goal against West Brom on January 26th.
Derby delight for Hibs' Aussies
Our Aussie Hibs seem to be in every edition of the Aussies Abroad report, but it's because they keep delivering.
Jack Iredale and Martin Boyle were on the scoresheet in Hibernian's 2-1 win over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, with Boyle's opening goal set up by Iredale.
The defender then scored himself in the 74th minute with a stunning strike, which proved to be the winner, finding the bottom right corner with a half-volley from distance.
The duo's contributions proved decisive in securing a vital Edinburgh Derby victory.
Nectarios Triantis and Lewis Miller also featured in the game for Hibernian. Meanwhile, Calem Nieuwenhof came off the bench for Hearts.
The win against their Edinburgh rivals extended Hibernian's unbeaten run to 15 games in a row.
Piol makes MLS debut
Ariath Piol made his MLS debut for Real Salt Lake, starting and playing 68 minutes in their 2-0 win against Seattle Sounders. The Australian forward showed promising signs in the match as he helped his team secure the three points.
Fellow Aussie Lachlan Brook was not selected for the matchday squad.
Carter continues scoring form
If you're an avid reader of our weekly Aussies Abroad reports, you'll be familiar now with the name Anthony Carter.
Carter has once again scored for Alverca in a 2-0 win against Mafra in the Liga Portugal 2. The striker has 13 league goals this season as he continues to find the back of the net and contribute to his team's success.
Aussies still firing in India
Despite already being crowned premiers, our Aussies in India continue to fire on all cylinders.
In Mohun Bagan's 2-2 draw with Mumbai City, Jamie Maclaren and Dimitri Petratos found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Jason Cummings was not selected for the game.
Iredale scores first goal in Korea
John Iredale scored his maiden goal for K-League 2 side Seoul E-Land in their 1-1 draw against Jeonnam.
The Australian forward has started both of Seoul's opening two games since moving to Korea from Denmark, marking an exciting start to his career in the country's second tier.
Circati commits to Parma long-term
Earlier this week, Parma extended the contract of Alessandro Circati until the end of the 2028/29 season.
The 20-year-old defender was a key figure for the club before he unfortunately tore his ACL in September, and he will look to continue his development in the Serie A once he returns.
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Ivanovic makes US move
Former FC Lahti and A-Leagues striker Luke Ivanovic has moved to Monterey Bay FC in the USL Championship, the United States' second tier.
The 23-year-old Australian forward will be looking to make an impact in his new environment as he takes on a fresh challenge in North America.
Other notable Aussies abroad mentions
Jed Drew came off the bench for TSV Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga during their 3-0 loss to Wolfsberger AC. Drew was substituted onto the pitch in the 63rd minute and delivered a respectable performance.
Since moving to Japan, Jason Geria has featured in three of Albirex Niigata's matchday squads. On the weekend, he played seven minutes off the bench in a 2-2 draw against Arthur Papas' Cerezo Osaka in the J-League.
Thomas Deng has yet to feature for Yokohama F. Marinos this season due to an ankle injury sustained in pre-season. The Australian defender is still working towards a return to full fitness.
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