Macarthur boss Dwight Yorke claims Daniel Arzani's disappointment at missing out on being part of the Socceroos' World Cup campaign will serve as motivation for the rest of the A-League Men season.
Arzani featured in the 2018 tournament at the age of 19 and, after returning to Australia this year following a difficult time in Europe, there was hope the classy winger could force his way into Graham Arnold's thinking.
Speculation over his potential inclusion was a constant storyline throughout the Bulls' opening six rounds where they picked up two wins and two draws.
But now without the attention on him, Yorke backed the 23-year-old to go up a notch starting with Sunday's home game against Melbourne Victory.
"From an individual point of view, and the conversation I had with him, he was hugely disappointed," Yorke told AAP.
"But life never pans out sometimes. So he has to come back bigger and stronger (and) I think he's got all the characteristics of being that type of player.
"This will be a new challenge for him, the spotlight is off him a bit.
"Hopefully that will loosen him up a bit and get him to express himself because he's such a huge talent for us.
"We are delighted with his progress here, he's got a platform that allows him to play and hopefully the best of him is yet to come."
Yorke's side are likely to be boosted by the inclusion of Ulises Davila when they take on Victory.
The Mexican missed four games before the World Cup-enforced break with a hamstring issue.
"To have Uli back is huge for us," Yorke said.
"It gives me a headache, which is a manager's dream. He brings a lift around the place.
"He's certainly our talisman among the players and he's really well respected and key to our success."