Would-be Socceroo striker Thomas Waddingham has been left reflecting emotionally on a triumphant return to Championship football in England as the super sub came on in the dying minutes to score a winner for Portsmouth.
The luckless Australian 21-year-old prospect, who's been beset by injuries since he netted on his debut for the second-tier outfit in January 2025, scored what appeared the most fortuitous 82nd minute winner in Saturday's 2-1 win over Millwall that thrust Pompey near to the playoff zone.
But the former Brisbane Roar tyro was adamant his first goal for nearly two years - and his first in front of Portsmouth's passionate fans at Fratton Park - was intentional after Millwall skipper Jake Cooper's attempted clearance in the box ricocheted off his shin and flew into the net.
"I've heard a lot of people say I didn't mean it, so I definitely meant it!" Waddingham said with half a smile.
"The defender's obviously tried to clear it, and I've just put my foot in front -- and luckily enough, it went in the back of the net."
It was a precious moment for the Australia Under-23 attacker, who was making his first appearance since August, having had 10 weeks out with an ankle injury that required surgery.
And that injury spell had followed a dreadful time for Waddingham over the 2025-26 season when a persistent thigh problem kept him out of action. Saturday's match was only his 14th Pompey appearance, most of which have featured him coming off the bench.
"It's been tough, definitely, I think it's been six injuries, including two surgeries. So it's a bit a long time, but a tough time," said Waddingham, reflecting on his ill-fortune at Portsmouth which rocked him in his tracks just when he seemed he might be challenging for senior international honours.
"But to get this goal, it definitely means a lot to me.
"I was definitely thinking about just when's that next goal coming. So the fact that I've got it, I can push towards more now.
"I'm buzzing, great to be back," added Waddingham, reflecting on how a victory goal at Fratton Park was very different to his consolation goal on debut in a 5-1 loss at West Brom.
"It's a massive feeling, to be honest, to get my first goal at Fratton Park. It's a massive confidence booster.
"This goal is for my family and friends who've supported me through this very tough time. All the people that have been there for me, it's dedicated for them really."
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough continue to ride high at the top of the Championship following their 5-1 win at Bolton on Friday which featured a couple of goal assists from their Socceroo midfielder Riley McGree.
They are two points clear of Swansea, who missed the chance of going top as they were hammered 5-0 at QPR, for whom Australian Under-23 international defender Kealey Adamson featured.
QPR were inspired by a hat-trick within the first 15 minutes from Ivory Coast international Richard Kone at Loftus Road.