Blessing ... Aziz Behich is in the running as the Socceroos' left-back. Source: News Limited
He left Melbourne Heart four days before the last Melbourne derby so it's only apt that Aziz Behich's first game since returning from Turkey is against Melbourne Victory.
Behich's last derby contribution was a desperate goal line clearance from Archie Thompson's cheeky last-minute lob which was correctly ruled a goal to secure Victory a 2-1 win at AAMI Park last December.
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And Behich, who's been loaned back to Heart for the 2013-14 season by Turkish side Bursaspor, is hoping the returning home will help him win another chance at making the Socceroos squad after making his debut last year.
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And the misfortune of his opposite number in Saturday's night's derby at Etihad Stadium Adama Traore, could be a blessing for Behich as he has one less player to compete with for the Socceroos' problematic left-back position.
Football Federation Australia last week confirmed that Traore was ineligible to represent Australia due to a FIFA regulation as he didn't have an Australian passport when representing Ivory Coast at youth level.
But Behich, 22, said he was confident in his own ability and was looking forward to returning to his stunning 2012-13 form, starting Saturday.
"I did crack the squad before I left and I'd like to get back in and individually I'm hoping to carry on from the way I played last season,'' Behich said.
Socceroos ... Aziz Behich in action against the UAE. Source: AFP
"Competition's always good but I do back myself against anyone so hopefully as a team we have a great season, if the team's doing well everyone looks better.
"It's been a long off-season so to kick it off with the derby you can't ask for much more.
"The last time I played Victory wasn't a good game because we lost. I'm pretty hungry to get going with the season.
"I missed the last derby of last season, I left that week so I'm hungry to play them.
"I really don't mind playing games like this but every game I go in with the same mindset. I don't like coming off second best, I'm pretty competitive."
Behich could lock horns with Thompson after the Victory attacker played on the right wing in their most recent friendly against Adelaide United as regular Kosta Barbarouses is away with New Zealand.
Heart's form declined after Behich's departure, with his pace and constant overlap from left back missing.
He made just two appearances for Bursaspor last season both on the left wing, a full match in a Turkish Cup game before coming on as a substitute in an away loss to Fenerbahce.
Despite his lack of gametime Behich said he wouldn't change anything and hopes a solid season will him return to Turkey and nail down a first 11 spot next season.
"Playing in Europe is something that I wanted to do and Turkey is somewhere I wanted to play because it's my background, and Bursa's a big club so no regrets,'' he said.
"I enjoyed my time there, I'm only back on loan so hopefully I can do well here and go back over there and break into the squad.
"Match fitness was something I lost a bit of, but I was still in good shape when I got back. I learnt a lot overseas as well, trained and played with a lot of good players.''
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