Jedinak started and 71 minutes in Aston Villa’s 2-0 loss to leaders Newcastle in the Championship, having not played since mid-January due to a groin complaint.

The Australia captain was his typical self in midfield, using his physicality and maintaining his discipline to break up Newcastle thrusts.

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou said last week Jedinak was “touch and go” for the upcoming qualifiers against Iraq and UAE on March 23 and 28 respectively, saying the 32-year-old needed game-time before the squad was named.

Postecoglou is expected to announce the squad next week, with Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic already ruled out with an ankle injury.

Villa boss Steve Bruce was full of praise for Jedinak upon his return.

“He gives our defenders protection – and he’s a man in there,” Bruce said.

“We have missed that, especially away from home.

“It’s the way we played when we went on our run when I first arrived.

“It was good to see Mile back.”