Melbourne Heart FC forward Eli Babalj is focussed on making an immediate impact after returning to the Red and White, but most importantly, is in a positive frame of mind ahead of tonight’s Melbourne Derby.

Melbourne Heart FC forward Eli Babalj is focussed on making an immediate impact after returning to the Red and White, but most importantly, is in a positive frame of mind ahead of tonight’s Melbourne Derby.

Babalj returned to Australia last week, and while he featured against Western Sydney Wanderers in Parramatta, his return to the training track in the familiar surrounds of La Trobe University this week has been a welcome change.

“I-m just happy to be back playing games and enjoying my football again,” Babalj said.

“As soon as I heard I could be coming back to Melbourne I was looking forward to it: coming back to an environment that I know well and enjoying my football and playing again.”

While Babalj-s dream move to Red Star Belgrade did not quite work out the way he had envisaged, Babalj says that he may be better off for the experience.

“Hopefully the bad experiences are behind me… I hope I-m stronger for that experience and finish off the season well and enjoy my football,” Babalj said.

Babalj is likely to feature in Head Coach John Aloisi’s squad for tonight’s highly-anticipated Melbourne Derby.