Simon Colosimo is still on track for a World Cup berth after playing 90 minutes for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar in the reserves.
The Melbourne Heart recruit has linked up with the Eredivisie outfit to undergo training in a bid to keep himself fit and sharp for the chance to be selected for Pim Verbeek's World Cup squad and on the weekend stepped out in the reserves starting line-up.
Heart football operations manager John Didulica said it was a great development for the central defender, giving him every chance to gain selection in the 23-man squad to go to South Africa in June.
We are really excited that Simon's time with AZ Alkmaar is ensuring Simon remains in the World Cup frame. "Having match time at a good level under the noses of the Australian coaching staff is just invaluable for him now," he said.
"From a club perspective, it is great that we already have established enough credibility with a club that played in the Champions League this year that they would help one of our players.
"It's a credit to the respect that John van't Schip has in the Netherlands and the professional approach of the Australian players who have played in the Eredivisie."