Aussie trio Mrcela, Davidson and Gersbach steal the limelight

First-team football continued for Australia's overseas-based players, with defenders Tomislav Mrcela, Jason Davidson and Alex Gersbach shining in Europe and Asia.

Jason Davidson Source: FC Groningen Twitter

Perth-born defender Mrcela played an instrumental role in Jeonnam Dragons’ 2-1 victory over Pohang Steelers on Sunday night (AEST).

The 25-year-old helped his side to within five points of AFC Champions League qualification, setting up the opening goal in a come-from-behind win.

Mrcela’s performance indicates a signal of intent as he aims to impress Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou after missing out on selection for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Iraq on Thursday September 1 and the UAE, five days later.

Meanwhile, Davidson followed up last weekend’s assist with a hard-earned clean sheet as FC Groningen drew 0-0 away to champions PSV Eindhoven.

The point is Groningen’s first of the campaign as the Green and White Army attempt to replicate last season’s seventh place finish.

Former Sydney FC defender Gersbach will join the Socceroos' camp full of confidence after playing the entire 90 minutes in Rosenborg’s 3-1 win over Tromso in Norway's Tippeligaen.

Despite Mustafa Amini playing the full 90 minutes, AGF Aarhus could not bounce back from last week’s 7-0 defeat to Brondby, after going down 2-1 to AaB Aalborg.

After winning their opening two games of the season, AGF have endured a run of five games without a win in the Danish Superliga.

Elsewhere, former Socceroos left-backs Aziz Behich and Scott Jamieson both played 90 minutes for Bursaspor and IFK Goteborg respectively.

While Bursaspor’s 2-0 defeat to Istanbul leaves the side in ninth position, after just two games in the Super Lig season, Jamieson’s side remain two points adrift of UEFA Europa League qualification with only 10 games left to play in the Swedish season.

And recalled Socceroos striker Tomi Juric also played a full game as Luzern fell 3-0 away to FC St. Gallen.