Adelaide United coach Carl Veart has paid tribute to Reds' captain Craig Goodwin following his instrumental performance in the 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory on Friday.
Goodwin signed off in style ahead of joining his Socceroos team-mates for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with a goal and an assist in the victory.
Hiroshi Ibusuki had Adelaide 1-0 up at the break with a powerful header, while Goodwin converted an 86th minute spot kick before supplying the cross for Ben Warland to ice the win in stoppage time.
Veart commended the United winger, who was once cut from the Adelaide United Youth set up, before joining Oakleigh Cannons in the Victoria Premier League, en route to his A-League debut with Melbourne Heart.
Goodwin then joined Newcastle Jets before eventually returning to the Reds where he went on to win the double in the 2015-16 season.
"I think I've said this week, the amount of work that he has done and the way that he has gone about getting to this point where he is now, he's done the hard shift to get here," Veart said.
"Rejected by Adelaide early, he's had to go to Melbourne, find his way and then through to Newcastle and then back.
"I'm so proud of him and so happy for him to get to where he is now; he deserves it."
The win temporarily moved Adelaide up to second spot on the table ahead of the remaining round 6 fixtures.
Following completion of the round, the league pauses for the World Cup until Friday, 9 December when United are away to Brisbane Roar.
The Reds head into the break on the back of three consecutive wins, but despite putting a halt to United's momentum, Veart is welcoming the hiatus, and the return of some long-term injuries.
"We've had a long pre-season and a tough first six games; four on the road," he said.
"The break is good sometimes so we'll have a little reset. It gives us an opportunity to get Zac Clough back and Bernardo back as well... pluses and minuses."
When asked about the month-long break, Victory coach Tony Popovic rejected the idea it would arrest his side's inconsistent form.
After defeating rival Sydney FC in the opening round, Victory have registered one win, one draw and three losses since.
"I wouldn't want a break at this time, any season, regardless of what the results are," he said.
"But we've known about this, the World Cup and this period, and we all just have to manage it."
