Tom Rogic managed just seven minutes of action as Australia drew 1-1 with Syria to move a small step closer to the World Cup Finals in Russia.
The Celtic midfielder replaced Tomi Juric shortly before Omar Al Sma cancelled out Robbie Kruse’s first half goal for the Socceroos.
Despite that late set back in the match played in Malaysia the Australian’s are strong favourites to complete the job in the second leg in Sydney on Tuesday.
That would then set up a November play off against the fourth placed team in CONCACAF which is currently being contested between Panama, the USA and Honduras.
Australia finished third in their Asian qualifying group which put them into the play-off with Syria and the longest qualifying route to the World Cup with Japan and Saudi Arabia taking the automatic places.
Joining Rogic on the bench in Malaysia was former Celt Jackson Irvine who is now playing for Hull City.