Eric Bautheac has been flying under the radar for Brisbane Roar during the Hyundai A-League pre-season.
The 30-year-old scored his fourth pre-season goal in the Roar's 2-1 behind-closed-doors win over Wellington Phoenix on Tuesday night.
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And with John Aloisi's side set for their first competitive hit out against Melbourne City in next Tuesday night's FFA Cup Round of 32 clash, the Frenchman is now ready for the real thing.
“It will be a big, big game for us,” Bautheac told Brisbane’s official website.
“It’s the first competitive game and it’s very important for us for continue in the competition.
“We have three months more of the pre-season - its very long for us, we need to progress for winning confidence."
Bautheac added that the clash with Warren Joyce’s men will be another good chance to glimpse at a new-look Roar side featuring the likes of former Perth Glory forward Adam Taggart.
“We have new players, the young players too, it’s good for us.
“They are very good because they listen to the old players, the experienced players and the boss and I think this season will be good.”
Aloisi has tipped Bautheac for a stellar 2018/19 campaign after the Frenchman admitted he was only functioning to half his potential in his fledgling year down under.
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Ongoing fitness issues and the Roar's patchy on-field form ensured the opening months were a baptism of fire for the former Ligue 1 playmaker.
Despite a rocky transition, he still offered a few glimpses of brilliance - including a delicately placed free kick against Adelaide United in March.
With a full-pre season under his belt and Brisbane claiming three wins from three so far, Bautheac could emerge as a key man in Roar's Premiership assault.
“The last season was very different to this season because I came one month after my signature and I didn’t speak English," he said.
"I didn’t know my teammates but now it’s very different and I’m feeling more at home.
"My wife and my sons enjoy the life in Brisbane and I'm the same. I like my teammates, I like my boss and my staff.
“Now I know the teams in Australia, I know the players and I know the football."
