Soccer-Hrustic's return adds a touch of class to Australia's qualifying campaign

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Argentina v Australia - Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - December 3, 2022 Australia's Ajdin Hrustic in action with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Lionel Messi REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Ajdin Hrustic was one of Australia's most influential players in the lead-up to the last World Cup but two years of injury and club issues have largely deprived the Socceroos of his deft touch in midfield.

The 27-year-old made a welcome return as a substitute during Thursday's 2-0 qualifying win over Lebanon, which kept Australia firmly on course for a sixth straight appearance at the World Cup finals.