Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill has returned to competitive football for the first time in more than two months, stepping out for his former club Blackburn's under-21 side.
Neill played a full 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham at England's Leigh Sports Village, near Manchester, on Tuesday morning (AEDT).
The 35-year-old was only given permission to turn out for the Rovers just hours before kick-off and was subsequently named in a revised starting XI.
The veteran defender began training with the Championship club last December but has not played a game since his contract with Japanese outfit Omiya Ardija expired in November.
Neill, who spent six years at the club between 2001 and 2007, is in desperate need for game time to secure his place in Australia's squad for this year's World Cup.
Despite being a constant presence in the Socceroos' central defence for almost a decade, new coach Ange Postecoglou last month cast doubt over his selection for the March 5 friendly against World Cup qualifiers Ecuador at The Den in London.
But Tuesday's appearance could provide a timely boost for Neill, with fellow centre-back Rhys Williams ruled out with a torn Achilles tendon.
Last week, Rovers manager Gary Bowyer said he was open to the idea of signing Neill for the remainder of the season - but only if it suited.
"I've said all along you can never say never, and that is the same situation now," Bowyer told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"Lucas and myself have been very honest with each other right from the start, we both know where we stand.
"If the opportunity for Lucas to join another club comes along, then that is a possibility. But at the same time, we would have to sort something out if we thought something suited us."
