Grumpy at the best of times when sidelined, Socceroo Matt McKay's mood has not improved since finally returning from an ankle injury for the Brisbane Roar.
By rights, McKay should have plenty to smile about.
He is set for a full 90-minute performance for the top of the table Roar against A-League upstarts Melbourne Heart on Sunday.
And his return from a month-long sideline stint could not be better timed as next month's crucial World Cup warm-up against Ecuador in London looms.
However, McKay admitted his frustration over last round's shock 1-0 home loss to Newcastle had ensured rediscovering Brisbane's mojo - not the Socceroos' imminent friendly - was his priority.
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McKay was clearly still kicking cans after his 15 minute cameo off the bench upon his injury return could not stop Newcastle maintaining their hold on the Roar, extending their unbeaten run against the two-time champions to five games.
"We just couldn't find our mojo," McKay said.
Still, it did not sound like it was as frustrating as McKay's long sideline stint.
"I am not a good spectator," McKay said.
"We had two straight home games (while he was injured). I hate going to them and hate talking to people at them.
"I would rather be sitting at home watching it."
McKay said it would be tempting to provide a not so subtle reminder to Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou ahead of the March 5 friendly before the World Cup squad was named in May.
But he added: "I just want to get back for the Roar to be honest.
"Everyone wants to get minutes and be involved in the next friendly for the Socceroos but it's just good to be back (for the Roar)."
McKay will return along with Liam Miller (suspension) against a Heart outfit that is defying their cellar dweller ladder position with a five game unbeaten run.
Ex-Roar player David Williams' hat-trick set up last round's 5-0 demolition of Wellington.
"It's no surprise they are performing well when so many are in form. Davey (Williams) is going well but there are a lot of players we have to top," McKay said of the Heart.
