Aussies Abroad | Schwarzer and Jones keep Cup clean sheets

There were a number of Australians in action overseas over the weekend, and the start of the FA Cup saw plenty of game time for our Aussies Abroad.

A busy weekend of FA Cup action saw rare first-team appearances for Mark Schwarzer and Brad Jones.

Schwarzer was drafted into Chelsea's side against Derby County. The Australian legend was largely a spectator as the Premier League powerhouse stretched their legs in the second half, recording a 2-0 win thanks to goals from John Obi Mikel and Oscar.

Schwarzer, 41, did make one late save to prevent Chris Martin pulling a goal back for a spirited Derby side, who are coached by former England manager, Steve McClaren.

Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones saw match action for the first time in 12-months, also keeping a clean sheet as the Reds beat Oldham 2-0.

Jones has struggled for game time, particularly after the signing of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland in the off-season. He did make an appearance in the Cup though and performed strongly on a day where Liverpool was far from their best.

Reds manager Brendan Rogers told The Independent: "Brad Jones coming in was excellent, Brad's been a really loyal number two.

"He didn't have much to do, but what he did do with his hands was clean and his distribution was very good."

Jones wasn't the only Aussie in action in that match, as James Wesolowski played 90 minutes for Oldham.

Chris Herd was rested as Aston Villa was knocked out by Championship side Sheffield United, while Adam Federici was given a rare game for Reading but they, too, went out at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Rhys Williams played a full match for Middlesbrough against Hull City, but they also went out, losing 2-0.

Shane Lowry played 90 minutes for Millwall in their away match against Southend United, unfortunately for him they went down 4-1, after they were 2-0 down at the break. Scott McDonald was an unused substitute in that match.

Finally in FA Cup action, Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak was rested as his side beat West Bromwich Albion to progress to the Fourth Round. The result continues Palace's resurgence under their new coach, Tony Pulis.

Jedinak had well and truly earned his night off, having played every minute of the English Premier League season thus far.

Further north, Dylan McGowan played a full match for Hearts in the Scottish Premier League, as they went down 2-0 at home to Partick Thistle.

Celtic thrashed St. Mirren 4-0 on the road, but although Tom Rogic was on the bench, he remained an unused substitute.