Leckie desperate to build on star Bundesliga showing

Caltex Socceroos attacker Mathew Leckie hopes his Bundesliga goal can belatedly kickstart his injury-interrupted season.

The 27-year-old has battled a knee injury in recent months, initially sidelining him and then restricting him to a handful of substitute appearances.

But buoyed by a goal on national team duty against Lebanon, Leckie returned to Hertha Berlin and was awarded his first start of the season on Sunday morning (AEDT).

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HIGHLIGHTS: Caltex Socceroos v Lebanon

Leckie repaid the faith, too, scoring a goal in an impressive display as Hertha came from 3-1 down to secure a 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim.

“We started the game badly but we fought back bit by bit,” he told Hertha Berlin’s official website.

“It was an odd game because both teams had lots of opportunities. 

“Nevertheless, it is a positive that we were able to come back from 2-0 down and it shows that our morale is good. 

“I think that although I travelled a lot with Australia and played games for them, I still played well today and I was very happy to score.”

Leckie acknowledged recent weeks had been frustrating but that he hoped a regular starting place would now be his to lose.

“The start of the season has not been easy for me because of my injury,” he added.

“I have had to be patient, especially as the players in my position have been playing well. 

“I hope I can build on this performance and play as often as possible so I can help the team with more goals and assists.”

Hertha Berlin sit eighth in the Bundesliga, three points off the European places.