Melbourne Victory's James Troisi reckons he did everything he could on Tuesday - bar score a goal - to maintain a starting berth with the Caltex Socceroos, while he also gave Ange Postecoglou's new formation the thumbs up.
The attacking midfielder started in place of the suspended Aaron Mooy against United Arab Emirates and was lively throughout the World Cup qualifier at Allianz Stadium, with his delivery from corners leading to Australia's goals in their 2-0 victory.
Caltex Socceroos edge UAE in vital win
TROISI EYES SAUDI CLASH
In his first start for the Socceroos since June 2015, Troisi believes he made a strong case to play again when Australia host Saudi Arabia in June - despite the likely availability of Mooy and fellow playmaker Tom Rogic, who is working his way back from injury.
"I don't know if there was much more I could do. Possibly, hit the back of the net but I did what I had to do," Troisi said on Thursday.
"For me, it's about getting on the pitch and doing my thing, which I have done at my club and I did that Tuesday night. I'll leave that [selection] up to the boss [Postecoglou]."
NEW 3-2-4-1
The 28-year-old started alongside Jackson Irvine in Sydney as one of two central attacking midfielders in Postecoglou's new 3-2-4-1 formation.
The system was the subject of much debate during the international window but Troisi enjoyed it, claiming the formation allows him to play to his strengths.
"For me it's perfect because we play with two sixes [defensive midfielders] and two 10s [attacking midfielders]," he said.
"Out of that squad… I'm probably a natural number 10, so for me it's perfect. That's one of the reasons why I did so well on Tuesday night.
"So for me, it suits me and obviously we want to play attacking football, which that's the way we set up to do.
He added: "I've been a big part of what we've achieved and hopefully now of what's to come, so definitely happy to be back in and produce on the pitch as well."
BACK TO HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE
Troisi has turned his attention to Victory's next A-League clash on Sunday when they host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
The subject of reported interest from Sydney FC and Melbourne City when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, Troisi - who told the Herald Sun this week "it might not be possible" to stay at Victory if he's not made a marquee player - gave Big V fans reason for hope.
The Adelaide-born playmaker declared Victory were a key factor in his return to the national team.
"One of the main reasons coming back here to Victory is obviously I know what I'm getting. You know, I'm comfortable here, I get looked after and I get to play, I guess, some of my best football," he said.
While Victory are almost certain to finish second with three matches remaining in the regular season, Troisi insisted the upcoming fixtures against Wellington, Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners are vital to ensure Kevin Muscat's side enters the A-League Finals Series in form.