Aussies Abroad: A return to action throughout Europe

The first weekend of 2021 saw our Socceroos and U-23's return to action in some important contests. 

Unfortunately for their many of their clubs, results-wise it was a round to forget. 

Starting in Scotland, Tom Rogic was subbed on in the  84^th minute as Celtic suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rangers, who extended their lead at the summit to 19 points. 

Martin Boyle's Hibernian did not fare any better as the Socceroos forward played 90 minutes in a 3-0 defeat to Livingston. 

Over in the English Championship, Harry Souttar played another full game for Stoke City and was booked in the 94^th minute as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth. 

Riley McGree made his first Birmingham City appearance since December 1st, starting and playing 70 minutes as the Blues were beaten 2-0 by Blackburn Rovers.  

In League One, Kenny Dougall played 90 minutes in Blackpool's 2-1 loss to Bristol Rovers while Sunderland's Bailey Wright kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Northampton Town. 

The German Bundesliga returned to action as Eintracht Frankfurt upset second-placed Bayer Leverkusen 2-1, with Aussie Ajdin Hrustic an unused substitute. 

In Saudi Arabia, Mitchell Duke was introduced in the 78^th minute of Al-Taawoun’s impressive 3-0 away win over high-flying Al Ahli.