Socceroo Brad Smith got his first minutes at club level since February as Bournemouth defeated Birmingham City 2-1 in the English League Cup overnight.
Smith put in a full 90-minute shift in defence as the Cherries progressed to the third round.
The 23-year-old hadn't played for Bournemouth since being a half-time substitute in a 6-3 loss to Everton in the Premier League on February 4.
Smith's last start for the Cherries was three days prior to that, in a 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace.
📋 Confirmed team news for our @Carabao_Cup tie at @BCFC. Eight changes to our starting XI.#afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/V8gLfe9r2X
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 22, 2017
The Socceroo only managed eight appearances in 2016-17 season for Bournemouth after his big-money move from Liverpool.
Despite that he's featured regularly in Socceroos sides and was preferred in Ange Postecoglou's latest squad ahead of fellow left-back Aziz Behich, who plays regularly in Turkey's top flight.
Smith, who missed the Confederations Cup through injury, has played in all eight of Australia's third round World Cup qualifiers, starting seven of them.
Close from Brad Smith! His effort sails marginally over the bar from just outside the area!#BIRBOU 🔵 1-2 🍒 (73)https://t.co/RZkii0suYk
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 22, 2017
Elsewhere overnight, Mile Jedinak failed to return from the groin injury which has affected him for the past few months as Aston Villa defeated Wigan 4-1.
Youngster Jordan Lyden was a 78th minute substitute for Villa, while Callum Elder put in a full shift for Wigan.
Mat Ryan was on the bench as Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Barnet 1-0.
Jackson Irvine played a full game as Burton Albion won 2-1 at Cardiff City.
Bailey Wright was an unused sub as Bristol City progressed, while Massimo Luongo was absent as QPR were knocked out.
James Meredith and Cameron Burgess both were unused subs as Millwall and Scunthorpe were also eliminated respectively.
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