Aussies Abroad: Vukovic makes memorable Europa League debut

Socceroos goalkeeper Danny Vukovic made a strong start to life in the UEFA Europa League, keeping a clean sheet for KRC Genk in their 2-0 win against Malmo.

The former Sydney FC shot stopper didn't have much work to do as his Belgian club side dominated their Swedish opposition.

Genk opened the scoring 10 minutes before the interval, courtesy of Leandro Toussard, before wrapping up the result in the 71st minute when Mbwana Samatta made it 2-0.

Malmo failed to truly threaten the Vukovic's net as they made only three shots all game with none on target.  

Vukovic's next Europa League test comes on October 5 (AEST) when they travel to Norway to take on Sarpsborg.

It was also a winning start for Celtic and Socceroos star Tom Rogic as they triumphed 1-0 against the Rosenborg side of fellow Australian Alex Gersbach.

Rogic delivered a solid performance in the match creating a number of chances for the Scottish champions.

With neither side able to find a break through in the first half, Celtic boss Brendan Rogers made a number of changes to his side early in the second stanza with Rogic coming off for Scott Sinclair after 59 minutes.

It proved to be a masterstroke with the Hoops finding a winner in the 87th minutes thanks to striker Leigh Griffiths.

Despite being named in the match day squad, Gersbach didn't see any action as he remained an unused substitute.

Celtic's other Australian, Daniel Arzani, watched the match from the stands after he wasn't included in their squad for the Europa League.

Celtic's next UEL clash is in Austria on October 5 (AEST) against Red Bull Salzburg.

The other Australian in Europa League action was fringe Socceroos striker Apostolos Giannou, whose Cypriot club side AEK Larnaca went down 1-0 to FC Zurich.

Giannou started the match up front for Larnaca but was unable to find the back of the net despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Zurich took the lead in the 61st minute from the penalty spot thanks to Benjamin Kololli but were forced to fight to hold onto their lead in the dying stages when Pa Modou Jagne was sent off.

Despite the extra man advantage Larnaca were unable to find an equaliser in a crazy end to the match.

Their next match in the competition is against German giants Bayer Leverkusen on October 5 (AEST).