Brisbane Roar full-back Jack Hingert can see the hunger in Luke DeVere's eyes as the fringe Socceroo continues his impressive return to form after 18 months on the sidelines.
DeVere was hugely influential in Friday's 1-0 win over Melbourne City, helping keep Tim Cahill, Bruno Fornaroli and the rest of their star-studded attack scoreless for the first time this season.
It was the 27-year-old's best display since coming back from a thigh injury, which he suffered just a couple of months after making his international debut in a friendly against world champions Germany last year.
"I can't imagine what he's been through in the last year and a half," Hingert said on Monday.
"It would have been torture for him, having to watch us play all last season.
"He's a great player to have next to you and I hope he can continue his form and stay fit for the rest of the season because he's going to be massive for us."
If he keeps it up, DeVere could very well contend for a Socceroos return when World Cup qualifiers resume in March.
Incumbent centre-back Matthew Spiranovic's Chinese side Hangzhou Greentown has been relegated and coach Ange Postecoglou has told him to find another club or else his spot could be in jeopardy.
DeVere has formed a solid combination with veteran Jade North in the heart of Brisbane's defence, with Hingert and left-back Corey Brown also strong performers across the first five rounds of the new season.
The Roar has conceded just one goal over the past three weeks, with Hingert admitting their shock 4-0 capitulation to the Newcastle Jets in round two came as a "wake-up call".
"That was a disappointing result we obviously tried to put behind us as quick as possible. We spoke about it and said we'd never let that happen again," he said.
"That's what we've tried to do, as you can see it's been good since then."
The Roar, five points behind ladder leaders Sydney FC in second place, take on Adelaide United at Cooper Stadium on Friday night.