The former Adelaide United striker started on the bench against Istanbul Buyuksehir BSK and with his team trailing 2-0, he was thrown on in the 56th minute.

By the time the clock ticked on to 57 minutes the Aussie had halved the deficit but it wasn't enough to trigger a real fightback.

Ibrahim Akim, who had extended the home side's lead on 55 minutes, struck again 12 minutes from time to secure the win.

Mile Jedinak was missing for the visitors but James Troisi started the match and put in a full shift.

Genclerbirligi are now 14th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere in Turkey, Michael Petkovic's Sivasspor suffered a setback in their pursuit of the title as they crashed 2-1 at Gaziantepspor, the winner flying past the Aussie keeper in the 83rd minute. To add to his misery, Petkovic was also cautioned in the closing minutes of the game.

Sivasspor remain top of the table just one point clear of Besiktas.