On a day when Australia escaped the big guns in the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C., the Socceroo gave more joy to national team coach Tony Popovic with a reminder of what he can add to the squad.
The 27-year-old striker was one of four scorers for the Premier League aspirants as Boro strengthened their grip on second place in the league on Friday.
The former A-League star also helped maintain new coach Kim Hellberg's perfect start to his career at Riverside Stadium.
David Strelec put the visitors ahead at a wet and windy Hull Stadium, before Alex Gilbert, Morgan Whittaker and Riley McGree all struck within a 12-minute window before half-time to blow the hosts away.
Joe Gelhardt pulled one back from the spot after the hour but the damage was already done, in a result that put Boro five points clear of third-placed Millwall ahead of the weekend.
Boro have won both fixtures since last month's appointment of Hellberg.
Hull could have moved up to third with a win but went behind in the ninth minute when McGree's left-wing cross was touched on by Whittaker and the ball fell kindly for Strelec who turned and fired high into the net.
Hull conceded again when they sloppily gave away possession with Gilbert capitalising in the 32nd minute by drilling a first-time shot low past Ivor Pandur.
Just three minutes later, Gilbert pressured Regan Slater into an error on halfway and fed Whittaker, who cut on to his left foot and expertly curled past Pandur to score for the fourth consecutive game.
Shellshocked Hull's goal was breached again in the 44th minute, with Alex Bangura allowed to get in behind on the left and cut back to an unmarked McGree, who recovered from fluffing his first touch to beat Pandur at his near post.
Hellberg was proud as punch with his charges.
"We played amazing attacking football, we controlled the game," Hellberg said. "I'm very proud of the players.
"I think the first half from the players in terms of how brave we were and the quality we had was amazing to watch. Then we had a brilliant second half in terms of killing the game off.
"It's difficult when you go in 4-0 because how are you going to solve the second half? It's more about killing the game off. We defended very, very good in the second half and the first half was brilliant."
Boro are seven points behind leaders Coventry.
with AAP
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