Nathaniel Atkinson is back at Melbourne City, fit again and ready to stake his claim for a Socceroos recall.
Atkinson started the Socceroos' World Cup opener against France in 2022 but has had a patchy run since, with injuries affecting his final years at Scottish club Hearts.
He left Scotland to return to City, where he made his name as a dashing right-back, on a three-year deal.
Atkinson, 25, is determined to remind the A-League Men, and new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, what he can do.
"I'm confident. Obviously I know what I'm capable of, and I think I've shown that in the games that I've played," Atkinson told AAP.
"But the best thing for me at the moment is just to get a long run of games and consistent game time without little niggling injuries and sicknesses. That's what slowed me down the last season or two.
"The big thing was to come back to Melbourne City because that's where I felt physically my best. That was a big reason to come back, to really just sort my body out and push on from there.
"Obviously Popa's shown that he's not afraid to bring in the A-League players."
In 2020, Atkinson signed for Perth Glory namely to play under Popovic - a move which never eventuated.
Popovic shortly after left for Greek club Xanthi, while Atkinson backflipped on his move to remain at City.
But Popovic's use of a back three with wingbacks should play in attacking Atkinson's favour.
"With the players that we have, it suits us well," Atkinson said.
Surprisingly, coach Aurelio Vidmar deployed Atkinson in midfield in City's opening-round win over Newcastle, with Callum Talbot at right-back.
But Atkinson has his sights set on reclaiming his preferred spot.
Both Atkinson and City hope his form means an overseas club will come calling.
"I enjoyed my time overseas, and I want to get back there as soon as possible," he said.
"The best way to put yourself into the shop window is being successful in a team, and that's a big reason why I wanted to come back to City because I believe that we can achieve a lot of things."
The next challenge is Saturday night's Melbourne derby at AAMI Park.
Former City coach Patrick Kisnorbo's first derby as Victory boss adds extra spice to the occasion.
"Obviously we've had such great times together but he's moved on, and now he's on the other side, so we want to beat him, and he wants to beat us," Atkinson said.
"That's what football is these days.
"But a derby's a derby and everything else goes out the window."
