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Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic believes Socceroo Chris Ikonomidis's return to full fitness has come at a perfect time for club and player.
Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic believes the A-League Men club is set to get the very best out of Socceroo Chris Ikonomidis as their premiership push continues to build.
Ikonomidis got through his first full match for Victory this season in a 2-1 win over Newcastle, playing in a central attacking midfield role as Popovic's team extended their club-record unbeaten run to 11 games.
Popovic says the 26-year-old has had to follow a similar patient path to that of New Zealand international Marco Rojas in regaining full fitness and form but Victory were set to reap the reward in the closing weeks of the season with both players firing on all cylinders.
"It's good to have options," Popovic said.
"Similar to Marco, it's taken a while to get Chris to play 90 minutes but we're delighted he did.
"We're happy he set up a goal and contributed in our attacking play.
"The more options we have in the front third the better.
"Competition is good, players fit at the right time of year is also important. Hopefully, we'll see the results of that in the next games."
The last-gasp win over the Jets, secured through a 93rd-minute strike from Italian forward Francesco Margiotta, not only extended Victory's unbeaten run but has Popovic dreaming of snatching the premiers plate.
Victory are third on the ladder with four matches to play, eight points behind leaders Melbourne City who have played two more games with second-place Western United six points clear of Popovic's team having played a game more.
Friday's clash with Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium gives Victory the chance to close within a game of a top two berth.
"We've put ourselves in a good position," Popovic said.
"Obviously, we need to keep winning to put pressure on the teams above us.
"But we're 11 games undefeated at the moment, we want to make that 12 on Friday and the only way can keep pressure on the top two is by getting the results."
Jake Brimmer is back in contention for Victory after missing the Jets game due to concussion protocols.
Macarthur will be hoping to hang on to sixth place after suffering a 2-0 loss to Western United in their last fixture, with the Bulls using the match for flood relief charity with all ticket proceeds to go to assisting people affected by recent flooding in the Macarthur region.