Socceroos Spotlight: Leckie upbeat despite Hertha Berlin's battles

The Caltex Socceroos have dispersed to their clubs for the final stretch of the season ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Bert van Marwijk looks likely to have at least one national team regular in flying form for the tournament, while another is focused solely on helping his team snap a crisis of confidence.

Get a snapshot of how some of our Aussie stars are faring.

LECKIE LOOKS FOR POSITIVES

Hertha Berlin were held scoreless for the fifth time in six matches on the weekend despite Mathew Leckie's return to the starting XI for the visit of Wolfsburg.

The winger almost broke the deadlock when he headed a corner into the post after just five minutes and set up a good chance moments later, but Pal Dardai's men eventually settled for a 0-0 draw.

Hertha now have 36 points and sit a comfortable 11th in the Bundesliga, with Leckie taking confidence from the opportunities his side created.

"We wanted the three points today. We had a few chances, but we didn't make anything of them," he told the club's website.

"We have to try to take the positives from the game. We had some dangerous chances in the first half and they would've gone in on other days.

"Our aim is still to reach 40 points as soon as possible."

BEHICH BREAKING BARRIERS

As he sets his sights on a first FIFA World Cup, Aziz Behich could prove a secret weapon for the Caltex Socceroos in Russia.

The full extent of the left-back's increased attacking output at club level was revealed in an update from the OptaCan Twitter account over the weekend.

VIDEO: One on One with Aziz Behich

In his fourth full season at Bursaspor, 27-year-old Behich has had a hand in seven of his side's 34 goals, assisting two and scoring an impressive five himself.

That's more than the six goal involvements he managed across 88 appearances in
Turkey's Super Lig prior to the current campaign.

HONOURS EVEN BETWEEN MIDFIELD MATES

Jackson Irvine and Mile Jedinak couldn't be split in the Championship on Sunday morning (AEDT) as Hull City and Aston Villa fought out a 0-0 draw.

Indeed, there was startling synchronicity between the pair's performances at the heart of the action.

They were substituted within three minutes of each other and played an almost identical number of passes, although Jedinak boasted a better passing percentage (81.3 per cent to 67.7 per cent).

VIDEO: Irvine scores against Norway

Irvine did, however, better his national team captain in terms of aerial duels and possession gained, with no player on the pitch managing more in either department.

And while Jedinak's side may sit 14 places higher on the ladder, cult hero Irvine can at least lay claim to having a catchy tune sung in his honour by Tigers fans.