What did our Aussies Abroad get up to over the festive period?

From winning Cup competitions to leading clubs to the Champions League, we wrap up a fruitful festive period for our overseas-based Socceroos. 

Starting in Scotland, Tom Rogic helped Celtic FC claim their first piece of silverware under Ange Postecoglou with a 2-1 come-from-behind win in the Scottish League Cup Final over Martin Boyle's Hibernian FC.

It was Rogic's 15th trophy with Celtic, but first under former Socceroos boss Postecoglou. 

The Socceroos midfielder has eight assists and three goals for Celtic already this season as he continues to shine in Postecoglou’s new system. 

Meanwhile, in the title race, Celtic remain second on the table six points behind Rangers with 13 matches to play. 


Elsewhere in Scotland, Martin Boyle put in a few more outstanding displas as his Hibernian continue to build up form after a difficult period. 

The 28-year-old has registered four assists in his last three matches, including two in Hibs' last outing against Dundee United.

Over in China, Socceroo Aaron Mooy's recent contribution secured an AFC Champions League spot for Shanghai Port F.C.

Mooy scored three goals in Shanghai’s last three games of the Chinese Super League season to seal a runners-up finish and the last automatic qualifying place for the AFC Champions League.

While Mooy endured an interrupted campaign due to a four-month Chinese Super League hiatus and personal reasons, he finished the season in style.

In Israel, Nikita Rukavytsya has scored eight goals in his last 10 matches for Hapoel Be'er Sheva F.C. in the Israeli Premier League. 

In his last outing, Rukavytsya scored a brace as his side continued their unbeaten season and solidified their position at the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Bnei Sakhnin F.C.

The Socceroos striker is chasing his third consecutive golden boot award as he hopes to close the gap on Maccabi Haifa’s Omer Atzili (11 goals) with 10 games remaining. 

 

In the Middle East Ryan McGowan sealed his first piece of silverware with Kuwait SC, defeating Al Qadsia 1-0 in the Amir Cup Final back in December. 

In Spain, Mat Ryan continued his impressive performances in the Copa Del Rey as his Real Sociedad team beat CD Leganés 3-2 and advanced to the next round. 

Over in Norway, Gianni Stensness wrapped up a break through campaign with Viking FK in the Eliteserien.

After sealing a move to Viking in August 2021, the former Central Coast Mariners defender went on to start 13 matches for his new club and become an integral part of their defence. 

He also helped Viking finish in third place, their highest finish since 2007, and qualified for the Europa Conference League.

In England, Riley McGree has concluded his loan spell with Birmingham City in the Championship as he returns to Charlotte FC for the start of the MLS in February.

The 23-year-old proved to be a vital component in Birmingham’s side during the early stages of this season, with the Socceroos midfielder registering two goals and two assists in 13 Championship matches. 

Reflecting on his time at the Birmingham City, McGree told BluesTV:

"It's sadly come to an end, but it has been a bit of a whirlwind and a good adventure and one that I have good memories from.

"England is where you want to come and play. To be able to get the opportunity in the Championship and to come to Birmingham, I took it and wanted to get here."

In other transfer news, Thomas Deng has completed a move to J2 League side Albirex Niigata from Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 League. 

The 24-year-old featured 25 times for Urawa and scored one goal during his year-long stay with the Red Devils.

Elsewhere in the J2 League, Mitchell Duke re-signed with Fagiano Okayama for the 2022 season. 

After representing Australia at Tokyo 2020, Duke signed for Fagiano where he scored two goals in seven appearances for the side.