It's not naturally his style, but Australia boss Tony Popovic has welcomed the subtle digs at his selection policy from overlooked players craving the chance to be a part of his Socceroos set-up.
Popovic left three of the A-League Men's form attacking talents - Western Sydney's Nicolas Milanovic, Sydney FC playmaker Adrian Segecic and Western United striker Noah Botic - out of his Socceroos squad for March's World Cup qualifiers.
The trio, who all finished the regular season with double-figure goal hauls, each sent Popovic a reminder of their talents in the weeks that followed their Socceroos omissions which essentially said: Why didn't you call me up?
Botic and 20-year-old Segecic, who finished joint first in the Golden Boot race, whipped out phone celebrations, while Milanovic ripped off his shirt and held it aloft to the crowd in fixtures in March.
Popovic may have the reputation as being a tough taskmaster, but there was part of him that enjoyed their celebratory pot-shots.
"I may have performed well enough to think I should have been in, but I wouldn't have had the confidence to do that," Popovic said.
"When I was playing we all had personality, confidence, belief and nothing would waiver that - I feel we probably lost that.
"These boys have shown they've got some personality, which is great - you've got personality, you've got character. You're not afraid to show that, whatever it is.
"Is that a message for me? I don't know, whatever it is, that's fine. You've just got to back it up.
"You want to be like that, then that's fantastic, but then you've got to be the best player in the park every week."
The trio are all expected to move on from the ALM over the off-season, but Popovic has cautioned that they may actually strengthen their claims of a national team call-up by remaining in Australia.
Insisting there was no "blanket response" to how he'd advise Botic, Segecic and Milanovic, Popovic said: "The decision is, why am I going overseas?
"If I'm going overseas (am I going) to be a bit part player, or am I going somewhere where I know the sporting director, the coach and they want to develop me?
"Those discussions are very important … (and) if that's not clear and they're doing well in the A-League, we are showing A-League players that they will get a chance to play for the Socceroos.
"It's proven now you can be an A-League player, and not only play for the Socceroos but make major contributions."
Meanwhile, Popovic left the door ajar for Nestory Irankunda after leaving the ex-Adelaide United winger for the March window.
Irankunda, signed to German giants Bayern Munich, has been on loan with Swiss outfit Grasshopper since late January.
"He's got more of a chance (of a call-up) now than before because he's playing regularly," Popovic said.
"We've been watching him closely, he's been starting a lot of matches, so I think for a young player, for him in particular, it's a really important step and we'll keep watching him to the end of the year."
