Gary Van Egmond was delighted with North’s display as part of a back three in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw in China.

The Newcastle Jets skipper has enjoyed a tremendous few days. Starting and briefly skippering his country in the draw with Singapore and then being thrust into the World Cup qualifying cauldron of Kunming by Verbeek.

Van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “I’m really, really pleased for Jade. He has simply flourished this year as a footballer and it was tremendous to see him out there as part of a backline that kept such an important clean sheet.

“He looked very comfortable but then he’s a defender that’s comfortable in possession. He’s worked very hard for this opportunity and the next challenge is to secure himself a permanent spot in there. There’s a tremendous carrot at the end of the rainbow in terms of a World Cup.”

North played every single minute of Newcastle’s A-League campaign having been handed the captaincy at the start of the season.

Van Egmond insists he is not blowing his own trumpet but does feel very strongly that the decision to hand North the armband back in July has paid off handsomely.

He said: “I think Jade has done a tremendous job as captain. He already had the respect of his peers and I think the next step for him was to take on that extra responsibility as captain.

"I think it has really helped him. He seems very happy with his football and I’ve seen further improvement in what is already a very good footballer.

“I honestly believe there’s even more to come from Jade. Yes, the best of him is yet to come. He has to keep pushing forward.”

While North earned considerable praise for his display alongside Lucas Neill and Michael Beauchamp in Kunming, Van Egmond has also acknowledged another of his international players for his progression.

Adam Griffiths was another of the A-League players included in Verbeek’s China squad following the draw in Singapore.

Van Egmond said: “Adam came back to Australia from his spell in Europe and he too has flourished and put himself back on the map. A player that has worked tremendously hard and I’m happy for him.”