The Queensland native will be presented at the annual PFA Awards in Brisbane on 13 June. Farina joins an illustrious list with Mark Viduka, Joe Marston, Craig Johnston and Johnny Warren (posthumously) named as previous winners.

Since earning a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1982, Farina has enjoyed a successful career as both a player and coach.

He played with the Canberra Arrows, Sydney City and Marconi in the former national soccer league (NSL) for six years before a seven-year career in Belgium, Italy and France. On his transfer from Club Brugge in Belgium to Bari in Italy in 1991, he attracted a then record transfer fee for an Australian player of $3.2 million.

He also played for Australia in the 1983 World Youth Cup, the 1986, 1990 and 1994 World Cup campaigns, the 1988 Bicentennial Gold Cup and Seoul Olympics. In total, he played 86 times in an Australian shirt, including 37 ‘A’ internationals for 10 goals.

At the Brisbane Strikers Farina took on a player-coach role, winning the 1997 NSL championship before a capacity home crowd. In 1999 and at just 34, he was appointed national coach of the Socceroos before being replaced by Guus Hiddink in 2005.

“Frank Farina rose to the top of Australian football at a time and in an environment where it was difficult to do so – let alone for a self-described skinny kid from regional Queensland via New Guinea,” said PFA Chief Executive, Brendan Schwab.

“He was in the second intake of players to the football program at the AIS 30 years ago and he has been an important contributor to the football narrative in Australia ever since.[Frank] was appointed to coaching positions at a very young age, without the benefit of the professional coach education now available.

“He has helped advance Australian football both here and overseas, and he is a worthy recipient of the Alex Tobin Medal.”

The final phase of Australia's World Cup qualifying journey starts with travel to Muscat - and the peak of the region's summer - on June 8.

While Kennedy, a standout with Japanese club Nagoya Grampus since 2009, is looking forward to taking on his J.League counterparts on Australian soil on June 12, the challenge of playing Oman is foremost in his mind.

Oman, buoyed by its first phase 1-0 triumph over Australia in November, will host the Socceroos in conditions that, at their worst, could reach 40C.

Kennedy warns that match will be a big challenge for several reasons.

"I think we've seen that we can't underestimate anyone," said Kennedy.

"They (Oman) will think they can do the same thing (beat Australia) obviously, they did it last time.

"It's going to be tough conditions as well with the weather, and a lot of the boys now, from Europe, are in an off-season.

"All these little things that we really need to concentrate on, we need to come together as a team and do it."

Domestically, Kennedy has been making the most of a stop-start campaign in the J.League, where he has missed the odd game due to a back injury.

Now recovering from his early season ailment, Kennedy has been in sound goal-scoring touch for his club - netting three times this season - after slotting eight goals in green and gold throughout 2011.

One of the more prolific marksmen chosen by coach Holger Osieck in the 30-man squad for next month's matches, Kennedy will share goal-scoring responsibilities with experienced trio Tim Cahill, Brett Holman and Harry Kewell, along with emerging stars Robbie Kruse and Nikita Rukavytsya.

"I guess it gets down to the serious end of it all, every game counts and you can't slip up," said Kennedy.

"I definitely want to be a part of things and just like in the last round of qualification, help the team win games, score goals and get us through to Brazil.

"Obviously there is still a few old faces from when I was first involved. I also think there's enough talent coming through to carry us on past this World Cup and the next one.

"It's an exciting time."

Since missing the 2011 Asian Cup through injury, Kennedy has regained his standing as one of the team's cornerstone members under Osieck.

After nine years playing in Germany, bilingual Kennedy has evidently struck up a good working relationship with German Osieck.

"I like it (working with Osieck) very much, to be honest," said Kennedy, who has found the back of the net eight times from as many appearances under Osieck.

"I think I understand him maybe a little bit more than the others with his German but he's enjoyable to work under.

"He's honest and he gets down to business and doesn't muck around."

Back in the Socceroos fold for the international against Denmark and the qualifiers against Oman and Japan early next month after being rested for February's 4-2 win over Saudi Arabia in Melbourne, the 32-times capped Crystal Palace man is backing himself to remain a key cog in coach Holger Osieck's plans.

"It's great for the coach to have so many options in midfield – it means you really have to show you can produce the goods to be selected and can't relax or take anything for granted," Jedinak said.

"We have several sorts of different players in there now and they have their own strengths."

With his power in the air and ability to pop up for important goals (including two crucial goals in last year's Asian Cup), allied to a solid passing game, Jedinak is well placed to withstand the competition for places provided by Carl Valeri, Neil Kilkenny and Japan-based Mark Milligan, to partner Mark Bresciano in central midfield.

"In my case I like to think I bring something positive in the air and can chip in with a goal here and there. Maybe that's a little point of difference for me," Jedinak said.

"But we all have great respect for each other and we know that whoever is selected will always do a good job for the coach and the country. That's the main thing."

The withdrawal of Aston Villa's Chris Herd from Osieck’s 26-man squad through injury has lessened some of the pressure while the re-emergence of Bresciano against the Saudis provided a poise and penetration that has been missing during his post World Cup sabbatical.

Far from seeing the return of Bresciano, whom some felt was lost to the national team after a frustrating 2010 World Cup, as a threat to his own place, Jedinak welcomed it.

"Look, when you have a player of his class putting their hand up again it can only be a plus for us," Jedinak said.

"He is so creative and playing in that more central role can be just as damaging to opponents as he was when he played in wider positions."

Jedinak said the scorching heat awaiting the Socceroos in Oman, where a controversial 5pm local kick off time has angered Osieck, will create a real stress test for Australia.

"You can't go out in those conditions and play 100 miles an hour. It's not possible and we'll have to slow the tempo of the game and keep possession and play very smart," he said.

"If we do that then I think we'll have the firepower to get a result there.

"But people should remember that the last time we played them in their own backyard we lost 1-0 (back in November last year) and they will feel they can beat us again.

"I played in that game and it was difficult, so we know only too well what they can be capable of if things go their way.

"That said, we are the one of the top teams in Asia and looking at our group (which also includes Japan, Iraq and Jordan) we have to back ourselves to be good enough to finish in the top two and qualify for Brazil."

After missing the last seven weeks of the Championship season with a groin injury suffered in March, Jedinak is back to fitness and desperate to make his presence felt again, starting with the warm-up against Denmark in Copenhagen on 3 June (AEST).

"The injury was a little bit of setback because I had been going well at Palace and feeling like I had settled in," the 27-year-old said.

"It's an incredibly competitive league because even teams at the bottom can beat anybody on their day and the fixtures are non-stop with three games every week.

"“It took time to adjust coming from Turkey where the level of competition is a little less intense but I've adapted and I am very happy at the club.

"I love being in London and although we didn't have the best of seasons as a team I see brighter things ahead for us."

Troisi, who with the backing of the PFA, walked out on Turkish Superliga outfit Kayserispor earlier this month after not being paid for well over five months.

Father Alby Troisi, who also acts as his son's advisor and agent, is collaborating with London-based player agent Frank Trimboli, who has extensive connections across Europe, to ease the process and is confident a deal will be done within three weeks.

"The plan is for James to go to Europe and thinks are looking very promising right now," Alby said.

"There are also opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Dubai and also back in Turkey but right now Europe is the refereed option."

"There is nothing concrete right now but we are speaking with clubs in three or four different countries."

Attacking midfielder Troisi, who notched 12 goals for Kayserispor last season, is suffering no mental scars from his Turkish misadventure, according to his father.

"Mentally James is in great shape," Alby said. "This has been something that went on for a while and came to a head.

"Now we just have to look at where his career goes next."

"He's doing a bit of training by himself right now and is just working on sorting out his future.

"We are hoping by mid-June everything will be resolved."

Back home in Adelaide while FIFA's disputes resolution committee looks into his case, Troisi is keen to pick up the pieces of his career with Socceroos coach Holger Osieck closely monitoring the situation.

Though not named in Osieck's squad for next month's friendly against Denmark and the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Japan, the 23-year-old has been in Oseick's inner sanctum for some time and is almost certain to be restored to the fold once he finds a new club.

"Of course to be in involved with Australia, James, like every other squad member, has to be playing regular club football."

Troisi's departure from cash-strapped Kayserispor came after the club failed to honour its financial obligations to him and a raft of team-mates.

"We tried to rectify things and it wasn’t possible," Alby said.

"There was a lot of protocol to be followed in James leaving the club. The PFA has been very helpful and now everything is in the hands of FIFA.

"James is one of many players awaiting verdicts from FIFA’s disputes committee and we will have to be patient."

Thompson and Victory teammate Harry Kewell were the only A-League representatives in a 26-man Socceroos squad named by Holger Osieck last week for June's qualifiers against Oman and Japan.

With Victory's A-League season over in March, there was concern over the pair's match fitness.

But while Kewell is on leave, Postecoglou said Thompson proved his readiness in the weekend's 4-1 friendly defeat against Olympiakos at Etihad Stadium.

Thompson scored Victory's only goal from the penalty spot.

"He looked sharp," Postecoglou said.

"We wanted to keep him out there for 90 minutes and he ran the game out pretty well, he still ran pretty hard at the end."

"When he got in behind them he caused them problems and got his (penalty) and maybe could have had one more, in terms of opportunities."

"He feels pretty good at the end of the game, so should he be required, I'm sure if there were any doubts about his fitness they'd be dispelled."

Thompson's form was a rare highlight for a mostly inexperienced Victory outfit, who was thoroughly outclassed in Postecoglou's first game in charge.

It was his first match since guiding Brisbane Roar to its second straight A-League championship in April.

The margin could have been much greater, the visitor narrowly missing several early chances and subbing off a host of internationals in the second half.

But Postecoglou was pleased his side kept trying to play the style he wanted.

He said it would have made more sense to play the game in July, when Melbourne Victory's pre-season was underway and it had completed its squad.

"The timing of this one's a little bit out of kilter, to be honest," he said.

Named in Socceroos coach Holger Osieck’s 26-man squad for the friendly against Denmark and the World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Japan early next month, the emerging Aston Viilla ace rolled his ankle in the final game of the Premier League season against Norwich.

It’s a blow for Osieck who was waiting with baited breath to have an up close and personal look at the 23-year-old who made 20 appearances for Villa in a breakthrough season under sacked coach Alex McLeish.

And it’s the second time in six months Herd’s hopes of a debut for his country at senior level have been all but dashed after he was ruled out of the November’s World Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Oman, again with an ankle injury sustained playing for his club.

Herd, who broke through for Villa as a right back before his all-action game was harnessed in a deep lying midfield role, is back at his family home in Perth following the injury and all indications are he will not be risked by Osieck.

It’s a letdown for Socceroos fans who were eagerly anticipating seeing how the versatile rookie, who signed an upgraded four-year deal at Villa Park in December, would be utilised by his country.

The former Australian under-20 international, who scored his first Premier league goal in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last month, must be cursing his luck.

He was rubbed out with injury playing against Norwich in November and it was against the Canaries again last week that he suffered another ankle knock as Villa finished a disappointing season by crashing 2-0.

Wanted by Scotland, the birth place of father Willie, a former professional player himself, Herd pledged his allegiance to Australia last year, insisting: “Australia is where I grew up and learned my football and it’s the country I want to play for.”

It’s understood that if, as expected, Herd pulls out Osieck will not make any further additions to a squad he must trim to 23 for the clash against Denmark (3 June AEST) and the qualifiers against Oman in Muscat (8 June AEST) and Japan in Brisbane (12 June AEST).

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni also named Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo and Bolton Wanderers striker Ryo Miyaichi for next Wednesday's Kirin Cup game, which serves as a tune-up ahead of three final-round World Cup qualifiers in June against Oman, Jordan and Australia.

Kagawa is back in Japan after helping Borussia Dortmund to its second straight Bundesliga championship and DFB Pokal victory.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Honda will make his first appearance for Japan since scoring in a 3-0 win over Korea Republic last summer.

Japan's Kirin Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Lierse), Shusaku ishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo).

Defenders: Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama F. Marinos), Yuhei Tokunga (FC Tokyo), Masahiko Inoha (Vissel Kobe), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04), Hiroki Sakai (Kashiwa Reysol).

Midfielders: Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Hajime Hosogai (Augsburg), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Hideto Takahashi (FC Tokyo), Ariajasuru Hasegawa (FC Tokyo).

Forwards: Ryoichi Maeda (Jubilo Iwata), Shinji Okozaki (Stuttgart), Takayuki Morimoto (Novara), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund), Genki Haragichi (Urawa Reds), Ryo Miyaichi (Bolton).

Former Melbourne Victory striker Kruse's Fortuna Dusseldorf secured a return to the Bundesliga for the first time since 1997 by winning a play-off and condemning Rukavytsya's Hertha Berlin to relegation to the second tier.

Having won 2-1 in Berlin in the first leg, Fortuna secured a 2-2 draw on home turf on Tuesday.

Fortuna had finished third in the second flight with Hertha ending its season third-bottom in the top flight.

While Kruse did not make an appearance in the second leg, Rukavytsya started and came off in the second-half for his team.

Both players have been selected in Holger Osieck's squad for upcoming matches against Denmark, Oman and Japan, with Kruse a regular under the German coach and Rukavytsya earning a recall after a series of strong performances for his club.

The result comes as a boost to Kruse, who joined Dusseldorf on a three-year deal at the start of the season after impressing in the A-League and for Australia.

The 23-year-old will be hoping to have more of an impact in his second season in Germany after making 13 appearances, mostly off the bench, in his first campaign.

Rukavytsya had more success, making 24 appearances and scoring a goal, but will spend the final year of his three-season contract back in the second tier after his club was relegated just a year after being promoted.

Kruse will join the likes of Australians Mitchell Langerak, Mustafa Amini (both Borussia Dortmund) and Mathew Leckie (Borussia Moenchengladbach) in the Bundesliga next season.

In Tuesday's second-leg in Dusseldorf, nine yellow cards were distributed and the match ended in confusion as hundreds of Fortuna fans stormed the pitch even though there were two minutes of injury time remaining.

After security personnel restored order, Fortuna's players returned to the pitch but had to wait several minutes for their opponents to appear before they were finally able to finish the match.

Osieck has named a 26-member squad for a trial match against Denmark in Copenhagen on 3 June (AEST) and the qualifiers against Oman in Muscat on 9 June and Japan in Brisbane on 12 June.

Kewell, whose last game was for Victory in the last round of the A-League on 24 March, is one of only two locally-based players picked. The other is his clubmate Archie Thompson.

"It is no secret that there are question marks over some players like Kewell and Thompson who have already terminated their season," Osieck said.

"This is not good for match fitness. They may be healthy, in good spirit and okay but when it comes to international demands it is a different story.

"So I need to see if they are ready to do the job for us.

"But you have to look at the positives. Everybody, Harry included, is very committed to the national team and wants to be involved and play.

"Harry had a decent game against Saudi Arabia and whenever he played since I've been in charge he did the job so why should I not give him the opportunity to show what he can do.

"Whether it's for 90 minutes or not remains to be seen.

"Harry still has a lot of potential, we can't argue about that.

"I have had a very intense chat with him and he is aware of my position.

"He has been training privately with a personal trainer and we will give him every opportunity to show if he's up for it or not.

"But the fact that he's on the list does not mean he will be included. I will trim the squad by three after the Denmark match."

Osieck also rewarded midfielder Mark Bresciano for his positive comeback to the Socceroos team against Saudi Arabia after taking a sabbatical at the end of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to sort out his club future.

Osieck hinted that Bresciano, who now plays for Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates, could even become a permanent playmaker if all goes well for the former Parma and Lazio man.

"The Saudi game was the first opportunity for me to work with him,” Osieck said.

"My only impression of Mark came from watching him in the World Cup.

"I think he has all the tools and the quality to play in that central (playmaking) role.

"He can impact our attacking game and, yes, I consider him as a major part of our team for our forthcoming games."

If Bresciano manages to cement a starting spot in the team's quest to reach the World Cup finals in Brazil, the future of the playing formation featuring two holding midfielders might come under serious consideration.

However Osieck said this was not necessarily the case.

"Our set-up will always be the same because even if you play with two holding midfielders one is the motor and worker in midfield and the other the more creative player who feeds the attacking guys," he explained.

"Mile Jedinak and Neil Kilkenny did it (attacking job) in the past but I think Mark has the best potential of everybody."

Osieck said he was deeply concerned with the 5pm kickoff for the Oman match in Muscat.

Football Federation Australia has voiced its concern over the prospect of playing in searing temperatures that could reach 40 degrees and has asked FIFA for a later kick-off.

"We are working on it but unfortunately we have had no news yet," Osieck said.

"I think it is unacceptable to play at 5pm at that time of the year.

"You see, bureaucrats make these decisions behind a desk and don't consider the actual situation outside.

"It is a very questionable decision."

When asked if he was confident of a positive outcome to FFA's request Osieck said ruefully: "I've been with FIFA for quite a while and I know how flexible they are."

Versatile midfielder Herd, who has been a feature of Aston Villa's push for survival in the English Premier League, is making his debut in a Socceroos squad, having been ruled out of the last round of qualifiers with injury.

While Rukavytsya, who hasn't featured in a squad since the friendly against Germany in March 2011, returns after cementing a starting position in an attacking midfield role at Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin.

Also returning to the national set-up are Tim Cahill, Nathan Coe, Adam Federici, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Neil Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Carl Valeri, Rhys Williams and Michael Zullo, after sitting out the match against Saudi Arabia in February.

Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson are the only A-League representatives to be picked in the squad.

The 26-man squad will play Denmark in an international friendly match on 2 June (3 June AEST), before being trimmed to 23 for the 2014 World Cup qualifying matches against Oman on 8 June and Japan on 12 June.

After the Denmark match, the Socceroos will travel to Muscat to prepare for the Oman game.

Socceroos 26-man squad:

Mark BRESCIANO (Al Nasr - UAE), Alex BROSQUE (Shimizu S-Pulse - Japan), Tim CAHILL (Everton - England), David CARNEY (Bunyodkor - Uzbekistan), Nathan COE (Sonderjysk Elitesport - Denmark), Adam FEDERICI (Reading - ENGLAND), Chris HERD (Aston Villa - England), Brett Holman (AZ - The Netherlands), Mile JEDINAK (Crystal Palace - England), Josh KENNEDY (Nagoya Grampus - Japan), Harry KEWELL (Melbourne Victory), Neil KILKENNY (Bristol City - England), Robbie KRUSE (Fortuna Dusseldorf - Germany), Matt MCKAY (Busan I Park - Korea Republic), Mark MILLIGAN (JEF United Ichihara Chiba, Japan), Lucas NEILL (Al Jazira - UAE), Jade NORTH (Consadole Sapporo - Japan), Sasa OGNENOVSKI (Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma - Korea Republic), Nikita RUKAVYTSYA (Hertha Berlin - Germany), Mark SCHWARZER (Fulham - England), Matthew SPIRANOVIC (Urawa Red Diamonds - Japan), Archie THOMPSON (Melbourne Victory), Carl VALERI (U.S Sassuolo - Italy), Luke WILKSHIRE (Dinamo Moscow - Russia), Rhys WILLIAMS (Middlesbrough - England), Michael ZULLO (FC Utrecht - The Netherlands)

The Omanis, seeking to gain a significant strategic edge, have slated a 5pm local start to the clash, which is likely to see Australia’s players subjected to 38-degree heat for the start of the game.

Day time temperatures can reach upwards of 46 degrees in Muscat in June. With humidity around 90 percent there are concerns within Australia ranks that FIFA should urgently address what has become a contentious issue between FFA and Oman’s Football Association.

FFA's head of medical services Dr Jeff Steinweg believes the game should be put back to 8 or 9pm, the time when fixtures in Oman’s Mobile League typically kick off. The league itself concludes at the end of May to beat the encroaching heat.

"It's definitely a player safety issue which is why we’re talking to FIFA," Steinweg told The World Game ahead of the announcement of Australia’s squad today for the 2 June friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen and the matches against Oman and Japan in Brisbane four days later.

"It's likely to be exceptionally hot and it would be better for all concerned if that game was put back several hours where you might see a temperature drop off maybe six to eight degrees," Steinweg said.

"It's about protecting players and lowering the risk of potential harm.

"These are high level athletes but they will not be fully acclimatized because we are only there a few days ahead of time.

"If the conditions are what we fear they might be that could place major stresses on the body.

"It's a matter of hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. We are concerned that the heat could push some players towards and possibly past their limits."

By FIFA’s health and safety guidelines the likely kick off temperature in Muscat is likely to considered hazardous to player well being.

It spells out its heat stipulations on its website (Fifa.com).

"FIFA measures not only the air temperature but what is called the 'Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)'," it says.

"Risk is considered high with WBGT above 29.4°C and extreme above 32.2°C. At FIFA matches, additional cooling breaks are considered when WBGT is above 31°C."

FFA is also seeking mandatory drinks breaks during the game and players will be equipped with ice vests and a strict rehydration regime will be imposed by medical staff.

The Socceroos will stage a preliminary camp in London from 21 May to gauge the fitness of several players coming off injury or inactivity after the end of the A-League season.

Five Socceroos and five Matildas have been named by the FMA as contenders for the top award, voted for by members of the football media organisation.

The award is given for the outstanding player at an international level. In 2011-12, the voting period includes the Women's World Cup and the Olympic qualifiers for the Matildas and eight matches from August to February for the Socceroos.

The contenders are Alex Brosque, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy, Lucas Neill and Luke Wilkshire for the Socceroos; and Caitlin Foord, Elise Kellond-Knight, Kyah Simon, Emily Van Egmond and Lydia Williams for the Matildas.

The two winners will be announced at the combined Professional Footballers Association (PFA) / FMA function to be held in Brisbane on 13th June after the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Japan.

Previous winners have been Tim Cahill (2009), Mark Schwarzer (2010) and Brett Holman (2011). It is the first year of the Women's award.

With only eight international friendlies played since FIFA's last update in April, the only change in the top 30 involved Argentina replacing Denmark in ninth place.

Germany was confirmed in second place with 1,345 points, followed by Uruguay, the Netherlands, Portugal, Brazil and England.

FIFA said the next update, due on June 6, would likely be influenced by a spate of European friendlies ahead of Euro 2012, as well as several 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers outside Europe.

Australia remains in 21st position.

Though his club side Hertha Berlin is facing a two-legged relegation/promotion play-off against Fortuna Dusseldorf – with the opening bout on Friday morning (AEST) – Rukavytsya has been a standout with 24 appearances for his club and a string of plaudits along the way.

While understandably preoccupied with trying to help Hertha avoid dropping straight back into Germany's second tier after being promoted in 2011, Rukavytsya revealed that Australia's German coach Holger Osieck met with him before a recent duel against Bayer Leverkusen – and his hopes of a recall are soaring.

“We spoke for a few minutes after the game and it was good to catch up,” Rukavytsya said.

"I played the whole game that day and we were trailing with 10 men and we got back to 3-2 up before it finished 3-3. It was a pretty amazing game.

"Holger just said it was good to see me playing regularly and asked me how I was going at the club.

"When it comes to the Socceroos, it's always the case that you have to be doing well for your club to be a chance of being picked and hopefully I've been doing that.

"I've just got to keep working hard and see what happens. I've been involved with the national team for a while now. I was at the World Cup, I played at the Olympic Games for the Under-23s and I feel I am ready if and when the call comes again.

"As a player, I am growing and learning a lot each week. I know I have to improve in certain areas and I'm accomplishing that bit by bit. I feel I'm a different player to what I was a year ago."

With Australia due to face Denmark in a friendly early next month as a prelude to World Cup qualifiers against Oman (8 June) and Japan (12 June) Rukavytsya, who made two appearances off the bench at South Africa 2010 as Australia bowed out at the group stage, is almost certain to figure once again.

More urgently, though, Rukavytsya is banking on Hertha's fortitude seeing it through against Robbie Kruse's Fortuna Dusseldorf.

"It's a question of us sticking together and playing for a big cause. It's been a hard year for the club but we've got our destiny in our own hands and it's up to us to hold our nerve now," he said.

"The Bundesliga is a great league. Excellent teams, superb stadiums… you can't ask for anything better and we're determined not to let go of that.

"There really are no weak teams in this league. Everybody is competitive and that's what makes it so good to play in. You have to go into every game with different tactics and a different strategy. That's what makes it interesting."

Rukavytsya, who has been playing wide left or right for Hertha, has a year to go on his current deal and is content in Germany.

"We have a great set up here. Our coach Otto Rehhagel won the European Championship with Greece of course and brings great experience and knowledge. He's great with individual players and he gives is confidence," the Ukraine-born former Perth Glory star said.

"All my life I've pretty much played as a central striker but playing wide has given me a different perspective and I've been able to adapt to that."

On the possibility of another World Cup adventure, Rukavytsya could not hide his excitement.

"It's the most amazing feeling you can have as a player and now that I've tasted it I'm eager for more," he said.

"“But that's not what I'm focusing on right now. The first priority is to do my best to help Hertha stay up."

Once typecast as a central defender, the versatile Milligan shimmered for the Socceroos in collaboration with a mercurial Mark Bresciano in February’s 4-2 win over Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

And his loan spell with Melbourne Victory at the back end of last season continues to reap dividends back in Japan with the 27-year-old scoring in the 1-1 draw with Kataller Toyama and the 2-1 victory over Kitakyushu late last month as JEF bids to jump back into the J-League this season.

Milligan’s exploits have ramped up the pressure for midfield spots ahead of June’s World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Japan as he competes with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Mile Jedinak and Sassuolo's Carl Valeri for the holding role in coach Holger Osieck’s line up.

“I don’t know what’s happening. I’ve scored two goals in our last three games. It’s unusual,” Milligan told The World Game.

“Previous to that I’d only scored one playing at centre back last season. I’ve been pushed into midfield this season after returning to the club from Melbourne Victory and things are working out well.

“I think playing in that role for Melbourne has maybe showed the club here another side of me and I’m enjoying it.

“I’m able to get forward a lot more and I’m getting into some good goalscoring positions. The good thing for me is that I’m probably fitter now than I’ve been in years.

“I’ve got a lot of games under my belt and the stint in Melbourne really helped. When I came back to Japan the team was winning and I had to bide my time for a couple of games but I’m in there now and things are going well.

“It’s a hectic program here and hopefully by body holds up to that.”

Best utilised as a midfielder in the eyes of Osieck, Milligan’s composure, strength and ability to drift into dangerous positions has him well placed for his country.

“I’m happy if that’s the case.” added Milligan.

“Against Saudi Arabia it was a pleasure to play alongside a player of the quality of Mark Bresciano. He’s a key player and it made it easy for me to next to him. His creativity is superb and it made my job very easy.”

Milligan is in his final season at JEF and is keeping all his options open on the future, whether that means him staying in Japan or returning to the A-League where western Sydney – the region from which he sprung – would be an obvious destination were he to return home.

“I haven’t heard too much about it but of course I am a western Sydney boy and it’s something you’d obviously look at. I also enjoyed my time in Melbourne, as did my family, and I am not shutting any doors. I will just play it as it comes.”

Milligan’s manager Buddy Farah said: “I think the transition of him coming back to Australia put Millsy in good stead and showed people another side to his game which maybe they didn’t know was there.”

Federici, who suffered play-off final heartbreak against Swansea City last season as Reading missed out at Wembley, has finally reached the promised land of England’s top flight as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper.

He made two Premier League appearances with Reading back in 2006-2007 and can’t wait for the chance to pile the pressure on long-time Socceroos incumbent Schwarzer, who has 95 caps to 27-year-old Federici’s six. He'll get that chance with a friendly in Demark on June 2, which will then be followed by World Cup qualifiers in Oman on June 8 and the visit of Japan to Australia four days later.

“There hasn’t been much pressure on Mark over the last few years,” Federici told The World Game. “And it will only be a good thing if I can ramp it up a bit.

“I’m sure that Holger Osieck will look forward to having to make a decision between us because it gives him extra options.

“I’m looking forward to having a bit of the limelight that you get in the Premier League and being a lot more visible to people, because you don’t get that in the Championship.

“I feel Mark and I are now on a level playing field – and we will see what happens from here.

“The Championship is a tough, unforgiving, physical league and a lot of teams that fall back there don’t cope well, so it’s been a huge achievement for the club and me personally to finish top this season.

“It’s sometimes the case of the performances you put in not really getting noticed at that level.”

Federici remains a huge fan of Schwarzer, adding: “It’s no surprise to me to see Mark still excelling with Australia and Fulham at 39 years old.

“I’ve known him a long time and he’s the ultimate professional and is somebody I admire and look up to. We speak often and I can’t give him enough praise.

“He’s a true ambassador of Australian football and to top it off is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He deserves every ounce of credit he gets and is somebody that we should all be proud of. He typifies what it means to play for your country.

“He has paved the way and I am sure he will be around for a few more years yet. I have plenty of time to catch him up, though, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Federici, who kept 20 clean sheets in a standout year for the club he joined in 2005, added: “It’s been a great year and it’s a big achievement to go up as champions.

“I just can’t wait to see the fixtures when they come out. When I moved over here from the NSW south coast it was always my dream to play regularly in the Premier league and the fact it’s been such a hard road makes you appreciate it all the more.

“I can’t wait now for next season. We have grown together as a team now and it’s been a big team effort.

“We don’t have too many stars. We’ve ground out results. Kept a lot of clean sheets and done what we had to. It’s a question of hard work paying off.

“As for my own form, I’ve grown as a keeper and have had a really consistent season. We won a lot of games 1-0 or 2-0 and as a keeper that’s always a big plus.”

Federici is convinced Reading – backed by ultra-rich Russian entrepreneur Anton Zingarevich – has the basics of a side that can survive in the top flight, with the new owner promising to bring in more players.

“I’m sure that is what he will do, although we have a great squad already,” he added.

Brosque, 28, plays his club football for Shimizu S-Pulse in the J.League.

And a spot in the Socceroos' attack in the 2011 Asian Cup final rematch against the Blue Samurai would be a dream come true for the former Queensland Roar and Sydney FC star who moved to Japan early last year.

"After what's happened to my career circumstances the last two seasons, it would be just fantastic to be given the chance to play for Australia against Japan," Brosque said.

"Before I left Australia, one, I never thought I would be playing in Japan and, two, I would be part of the Socceroos set-up.

"So after managing to do both, yes, leading my country's attack against Japan would be something that dreams are made of."

Brosque, who has played 11 times for Australia and scored five goals, realises that he will have a battle on his hands to snare a starting spot in Holger Osieck's team.

The match at Suncorp Stadium on 12 June is likely to shape the final qualifying phase for the finals in Brazil so Osieck will no doubt field his strongest possible side.

"I feel very much part of the Socceroos squad these days after being involved in all the 2014 qualifiers so far but I am also realistic in terms of starting matches," Brosque said.

"There is some quality in the Socceroos' attacking department.

"Take Brett Holman, for example, who's been doing so well for so long.

"He's got to be in pole position to take on Japan and if he's fit he should be in for sure.

"And then there is Josh Kennedy, who is out injured at the moment but should be ok for June."

Australia will kick off its final qualifying campaign for Brazil with a friendly match against Denmark in Copenhagen on 3 June (AEST).

The group then moves to Muscat to face Oman in its first qualifying group match on 9 June, before its date with Japan in Brisbane.

Brosque said Australia's high-profile clash with its old rival will be as tough as ever and should go a long way towards determining the outcome of the group that also includes Jordan and Iraq.

"Japanese football is nothing new to Australia because we've played them a few times now," he said.

"The two teams have completely different styles.

"Australia is usually a very physical, 'in your face' type of team that is big on tactics while Japan plays more 'off the cuff'.

"They have some very dangerous players from midfield going forward and creating something out of nothing.

"I don't think they like playing Australia because of our physicality but on the other hand they can be a very tricky opponent.

"Ever since the draw was made Japanese journalists have never stopped asking me for my views on the match and I'm sure they have done the same with the others Aussies in the J.League."

Brosque is playing a key midfield role in Shimizu's surge up the J.League ladder.

Shimizu is in seventh spot after succumbing to a 3-1 defeat away to Gamba Osaka at the weekend, when Brosque netted a late consolation goal to take his season's league tally to three.

"We were having a sort of decent run up until the weekend when we lost to Gamba," Brosque said.

"After seven matches we are on 12 points, two points from second spot.

"We have won all four of our home game but we are struggling a bit in away games.

"Last season we had a lot of changes from the season before and it took us a very long time to gel.

"This season we seem to be more settled and we actually are a bit better overall.

"I'm still playing in midfield. We play four at the back, one holding midfielder, two attacking mids and I'm one of them and three forwards.

"This is fine because this gives me a bit of a licence to get into the box.

"I have started a lot better this year than last mainly because I now have one season in Japan under my belt.

"So I began the season without fear and with confidence and the result is that while it took me a while to score my first goals in 2011 this season I have already chipped in from the start."

Football Federation Australia said the kick-off of the match in Brisbane on Tuesday 12 June was changed to 8pm after consultation with FIFA, the AFC and World Sport Group.

The amendment of the previous kick-off time of 7.30pm has been made to accommodate a potential massive viewing audience.

"This World Cup qualifier between the two top nations in Asia is already attracting huge interest around the region with two months to go to the game," FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said.

"The vagaries of time zones mean that an 8pm (AEST) kick-off better accommodates the massive TV audience in Japan in particular and makes the telecast more accessible to fans across Asia.

"Australia is part of a worldwide football family and it’s great to know that so many eyes will be on the Socceroos and Brisbane on 12 June."

The match between the first and second ranked teams in Asia will be the highlight of match day three of the World Cup's final round of Asian qualifiers and will have one of the highest viewing audiences for the round.

The last time the two teams met in the final of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, the viewing audience was 484 million in 80 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, North America and North Africa.

The new Nike kit will used for the first time on home soil in Brisbane when the Socceroos take on Japan on 12 June.

"Nike is excited to be launching the Socceroos new Home team kit today, signifying the pride of a nation in the patriotic colours of green and gold, as Australia strive to qualify for the World Cup finals for the third consecutive year," a Nike press release read.

"The brand new kits reflect an innovative and modern design that enhances breathability, movement and overall performance."

FIFA had a meeting with an Iraqi delegation, including national team coach Zico, and said any decision to lift an existing ban "will be based exclusively on security considerations."

Iraq is scheduled to host Oman on 12 June after beginning the next qualifying phase away to Jordan on 3 June.

Iraq's current group also includes heavyweights Australia and Japan.

FIFA banned Iraq from hosting qualifiers for the World Cup and 2012 Olympics for security reasons, and after a stadium power outage in the Kurdish city of Irbil during a World Cup qualifier against Jordan in September.

Iraq played subsequent World Cup home matches in Dubai and in Doha, Qatar.

World football's governing body imposed the ban last year due to security issues and organisational concerns when Iraq hosted Jordan in a World Cup qualifier in Arbil on 2 September.

The Socceroos have been drawn in the same group as Iraq for the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and are scheduled to face it away from home on 16 October.

The match is scheduled to be played at a neutral venue, nominated by Iraq, but officials say they will attempt to convince FIFA later this month it should be allowed to host its qualifiers.

"We are seeking to convince FIFA to lift the ban on our national team playing in our stadium, and will present FIFA officials with (evidence that) will prove we are able to host games ... according to the rules of FIFA," said Abdel Khaleq Massoud, vice-president of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA).

IFA President Najeh Hmoud is to head a delegation to meet FIFA chief Sepp Blatter in Zurich on 13 April to discuss issues related to the future of Iraqi football, Massoud said.

He added that the delegation would propose that Iraq be permitted to host friendly matches in Baghdad while the ban on official matches remains in place.

FIFA barred Iraq from hosting matches after a 2 September match in Arbil due to the poor administration and organisation surrounding it.

In particular, the match was delayed for 10 minutes because of a power cut, and the stadium appeared to have significantly more spectators than its capacity of 12,400.

Arbil is the capital of the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan, which is widely seen as much safer than the rest of the country.

The war in Iraq forced 'home' games to be played outside the nation from 2003 but Iraq resumed playing on home soil in 2009 before the latest ban was imposed.

The Socceroos faced Iraq in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup but their away clash in 2008 was played in Dubai.

The 33-year-old who underlined his importance to the national team with a goal in last month’s 4-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in Melbourne is considering the possibilities, which include a possible stint in the MLS or Asia.

However, with the transfer window in China closed and Japanese clubs not keen on what they perceive as gimmicks, that only leaves South Korea or the United States as a viable option.

Nine weeks stand between Melbourne Victory’s final A-League game on Saturday at Perth Glory and Australia's friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen in early 2 June – which leads into the World Cup qualifier in Oman.

“Harry is determined to play for the Socceroos as long as he can and with that in mind he is looking at all his options and possibilities," Kewell’s agent James Erskine said.

“We are obviously not going to announce anything until it is locked in. His main is goal is to play at the next World Cup and to do that he knows he has to be at the top of his game.

“I am sure if Harry is playing well he will be selected.”

Kewell, wife Sheree and their four children return to England next week for a break at the conclusion of his first A-League campaign.

“It’s really just a holiday for Harry and his family,” Erskine said.

With eight goals in 24 starts for Victory this season, the 56-times-capped Kewell produced his best A-League form as his fitness levels improved and knows that his chances of featuring for the Socceroos in June – which also includes a home qualifier against Japan in Brisbane on 12 June – hinge on finding club football elsewhere.

Kewell’s conundrum is shared by several other A-League Socceroos including team-mate Archie Thompson, Sydney FC’s Brett Emerton and Nicky Carle, Adelaide United’s Dario Vidosic, Brisbane Roar’s Mitch Nichols and Erik Paartalu and Gold Coast United's Perth Glory-bound Michael Thwaite.

One scenario could be a team composed of Socceroos possibles under the auspices of FFA playing games against the three Australian teams competing in the AFC Champions league –Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners.

Beyond June, there are whispers that while Kewell has two years left on his Victory contract, should FFA install a new team in western Sydney next season he could be recruited as the face of the franchise in his home city.

Meanwhile, the revamp of Victory's squad for next season will include exit of Jean Carlos Solorzano.

The Costa Rican striker was linked with a possible move to Melbourne Heart but now appears destined to return to LD Alajuelense, from which he is on loan.

The former Brisbane Roar player has become increasingly frustrated, having not started a match since November 26.

Zullo was a regular fixture in the run-on side early in the season but a change of coach and a series of niggling injuries reduced his appearances to a trickle in his second season at the club.

The left-back has slipped behind Davy Bulthuis in the pecking order since Jan Wouters replaced Erwin Koeman as coach in October.

Zullo admits he's found it difficult not playing on a regular basis and hopes his run of minor injuries ends soon.

He says his big goal remains playing for the Socceroos and being part of their World Cup campaign but that's difficult at the moment.

"That was completely and entirely my motivation for moving overseas," Zullo told AAP from the Netherlands.

"That was always my main goal to play for the Socceroos and to play in a World Cup.

"In order for me to do that I need to be playing matches week in and week out and be in my best condition.

"Hopefully it gets resolved in the next few months and I get playing again."

An opportunity could come as soon as this weekend with Bulthuis suspended for Sunday's (Monday AEDT) home match against FC Groningen.

"Hopefully I will be in line to play this weekend ... (and) I can put in a good performance and stay there for the rest of the season," he said.

Zullo, who had a testing time in his last outing for Australia against Thailand in Bangkok in November, was not released by Utrecht for the national team's match against Saudi Arabia last month.

With Socceroos coach Holger Osieck favouring those that play regularly at club level, the 23-year-old Queenslander is desperate for game time before the next batch of 2014 World Cup qualifiers in June.

"I am not comfortable with not playing at this stage of my career and the club know that," he said.

"They still give me positive input, that is OK ... but at the end of the day I need to play."

Australia's next match is a friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen on June 2 before opening its final stage of World Cup qualifying in Oman on June 8.

Four days later, Australia takes on Japan in front of Zullo's home crowd in Brisbane.

Utrecht sits only two points above the drop zone in the Dutch top-flight with nine matches to go this season even if they have a kind run home.

If it was relegated, that would not only affect Zullo but compatriots Adam Sarota and Tommy Oar who have also been used sparingly at the club recently.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirmed Brisbane would host the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Japan on June 12, four days after opening their campaign in Oman.

But there were red faces when a FFA release also revealed Sydney would host Oman on March 26, 2013 and Iraq on June 18, 2013 while Melbourne was unveiled as the venue for the Socceroos' clash with Jordan on June 11, 2013.

FFA was forced to issue an amended release, blaming a production error on the other venues being named.

Unfortunately the amendment also featured an error, getting the Brisbane date wrong.

"Other than the Brisbane match on July 12 2012, no further qualification matches, cities or venues have been decided," the FFA stated in its release.

"Announcements on the host cities and venues for these matches will be made in due course."

Unlike FFA, Osieck liked what he saw on paper as he planned his World Cup squad.

While impressed with his squad to date, Osieck said he would keep an open mind with selection during Cup qualifying.

"You should never think the door to the team has been closed. There are always opportunities," he said in Brisbane on Wednesday.

"We have a lot of friendlies combined with qualifiers so I will definitely take the opportunity to give other players a chance.

"I will be able to see if they can step up or have to wait a little bit more."

Osieck stuck with his view that youngsters in the A-League needed to show more consistency but appeared to bristle when quizzed if he would "move on" any senior players ahead of the World Cup.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has already claimed he has no intention of retiring - and Osieck did not feel any of his veterans would need a "tap on the shoulder" any time soon.

"That is a point I don't like," he said.

"I don't have any old players. I have some players who are more experienced than others but still do a decent job on or off the pitch as leaders, to help the less experienced players step up.

"There is right now a very positive mixture I have in my group and I am very happy with that.

"To me what is important is the performance level, and that is still very high."

Indeed Osieck still seemed to be buzzing over another veteran Mark Bresciano who made his first Socceroos appearance since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the recent 4-2 win over Saudi Arabia.

"He added some different qualities to our last game. If he can maintain that level of play he will be very useful for us," he said.

"I have introduced or re-introduced a couple of players. It was important for me to see how much they could help the group and I got some positive impressions."

The Socceroos can book a spot in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a top two finish in Group B.

Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck and Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves made the announcement on Wednesday at the venue.

“The Qantas Socceroos v Japan at Suncorp Stadium will be an absolutely epic contest on the road to Brazil,” FFA CEO Ben Buckley said.

”This will be a very early test for Qantas Socceroos against the Asian champions and the outcome will shape the group, but we all know our players thrive on these challenges.”

Osieck was equally enthusiastic about the encounter in the Queensland capital.

“Brisbane is an excellent venue and provides us a great atmosphere and environment for the next phase of our campaign,” Osieck said.

“We have very good memories from the start of our last stage of qualifiers and we hope to duplicate that result on 12 June.

“I’m expecting a sell-out crowd to see two of the top nations in Asia compete for a place at the FIFA World Cup."

Australia is drawn in Group B with Japan, Iraq, Jordan and Oman, which it faces in its opening qualifier on Friday 8 June in Muscat.

The top two teams from each group will progress directly to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil with the two third placed teams from each group meeting in a play-off over two match days in September 2013 with the winner of that to face a CONMEBOL opponent for a place in the finals.

The Socceroos warm-up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Fourth Round campaign with an international friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday 2 June.

Top-seeded Australia must face Asian champion Japan as well as 2007 champion Iraq, Jordan and Oman in its final Asian qualifying group for the finals.

"It's going to be a tough group, particularly the road games," said Osieck after Friday night's draw in Kuala Lumpur.

But Osieck said he was confident the Socceroos would emerge from their eight-match, year-long final phase with one of the two top spots, guaranteeing a berth in their third consecutive World Cup finals.

"Logistically they are easy places to access and you don't have to worry too much about visa issues and so on," Osieck said.

"We know what is at stake now and we know what we have to deliver.

"We have to be right there from the start, from minute one."

Minute one for the Socceroos will take place on 8 June in Oman, the only nation to beat Australia in the previous qualifying group, which it topped with five wins from six matches, the last against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne this month.

Osieck acknowledged that the first game was the toughest in any qualifying tournament, as expectations were always high.

Memories of that 1-0 away loss to Oman are still fresh in his mind.

Beaten 1-0 by Japan in the final of the AFC Asian Cup 14 months ago, Australia has ample opportunity for revenge … starting in Brisbane on 8 June after a first-up Group B date way to Oman to begin the fourth round of qualifying for Brazil.

“Look, Japan wouldn’t have been my first choice but the reality is that if we can’t finish top two in the group then we won’t really deserve to go through anyway, even though we’d still have another chance if we finished third,” the Shimizu S-Pulse star said.

“The good thing is we are facing them first up at home and if they don’t win their opening game in the group they will be under a lot of pressure straight away.

“They will be confident, having beaten us in the final of the Asian Cup but they will also know they are in for torrid game.

“They don’t particularly relish the physical side of the game which they know they will get from us and I fancy us to pick up at least four, maybe six, points from our opening two games.”

Australia kicks off its campaign in Oman four days earlier and whatever pans out, Brosque is convinced the Socceroos and Japan who will end up filling the top two qualifying spots once the long and winding road to Brazil is settled in June 2013.

The thought of facing fellow Group B nations Jordan, Iraq and Oman doesn’t fill him with fear, especially since the away game against Iraq is likely to be played in neutral territory in Dubai because of ongoing security issues.

Brosque, who has cemented his place in the plans of coach Holger Osieck with two goals in the 4-2 win over Saudi Arabia in Melbourne last month, added: “The key for us in qualifying is to take full advantage of the games against Oman, Jordan and Oman … those are the matches where people will expect us to do really well and we will also expect a lot of ourselves.

“The key will be to hit the ground running in Oman, who we have a pretty good record against.

“That would set us up nicely for the game against Japan. They won’t fear us but they will certainly be very wary because they know we’ll be very hard to deal with on home turf.

“Their strengths are the way they go forward … they are sharp and technical all over the park and they keep the ball exceptionally well. Their weaknesses are that in going forward they commit a lot of numbers and that leaves space in behind which I feel we could exploit.”

The fast emerging Socceroo, making his mark for his country at 28, says he is feeling like he belongs now after his show-stopping performance against the Saudis, where he also provided an assist.

“The challenge for me now is to keep doing well in the J.League this season,” he added.

“It’s a great level over here and every game is a huge test. I’m looking forward to the new season – and beyond that who knows what will happen.”

Brosque is expecting plenty of banter from his teammates over the coming months, with Shimizu S-Pulse opening its league season against Josh Kennedy’s Nagoya Grampus on Saturday night.

“I think after the game Josh and I will have a chance to chat about the draw … probably not before,” Brosque added.

The full schedule of Group B is the following:

Sunday, 3 June 2012: Jordan v Iraq, Japan v Oman, Australia bye

Friday, 8 June 2012: Oman v Australia, Japan v Jordan, Iraq bye

Tuesday, 12 June 2012: Australia v Japan, Iraq v Oman, Jordan bye

Tuesday, 11 Sept 2012: Japan v Iraq, Jordan v Australia, Oman bye

Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012: Oman v Jordan, Iraq v Australia, Japan bye

Wednesday, 14 Nov 2012: Iraq v Jordan, Oman v Japan, Australia bye

Tuesday, 26 March 2013: Australia v Oman, Jordan v Japan, Iraq bye

Tuesday, 4 June 2013: Japan v Australia, Oman v Iraq, Jordan bye

Tuesday, 11 June 2013: Iraq v Japan, Australia v Jordan, Oman bye

Tuesday, 18 June 2013: Jordan v Oman, Australia v Iraq, Japan bye

All times are local times

Eight of Asia's surviving 10 teams were already placed to their respective groups.

On one side we had Group A comprising Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Lebanon.

On the other we had Group B featuring Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Japan.

The Socceroos could have been drawn into the first group which appeared slightly easier in terms of playing standards.

Iran, you see, is always tough to beat especially in Tehran but the team is in transition and struggling.

Uzbekistan was smashed 6-0 by Australia when the teams last met in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi-finals.

Qatar must be sick of the sight of Australia's green and gold jerseys after copping a few hidings in the last four years.

While Lebanon would do well to be just competitive in what looks like a mission impossible.

But it was not to be because pot luck determined otherwise.

In order to reach Brazil, the Socceroos must overcome old rival Japan ... which as always will be no easy task.

Iraq, which is managed by Brazil legend Zico, will be as treacherous as ever mainly because it has a good record against the Socceroos since Australia joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.

Jordan and Oman will be no pushovers either, especially in their home games in Amman and Muscat.

Australia has played the Japanese, Iraqis and Omanis several times but has never met the Jordanians.

They are all tough cookies in varying degrees but, hey, if the Australians cannot prevail over these teams in a home-and-away round-robin they would not deserve to be in the finals in Brazil, anyway. It's as simple as that.

For all it's worth, the combined ranking of the teams in Group A is 360 while that of Group B is only 304, which would suggest that the Socceroos are in a slightly tougher section.

Holger Osieck's stiffest challenge will obviously come from the skilful Japanese, who are coached by former AC Milan boss Alberto Zaccheroni.

Zaccheroni led the Blue Samurai to a thrilling 1-0 victory over Australia in the Asian Cup final 14 months ago.

The forthcoming double rematch will give the Socceroos an opportunity to avenge their heart-breaking defeat in Doha, Qatar.

It's also the perfect incentive for the Australians to assert their leading role in Asian football at national team level.

And, being a German, Osieck no doubt would derive extreme pleasure in putting one over an Italian counterpart.

The top two in each of the two groups will go straight into the finals and the two third-placed teams will play off for the right to meet a team from South America for a spot in Brazil.

The Australians will be encouraged by the fact that they have what captain Lucas Neill described as "a kind group as far as travel goes" and that they will be at home in their last two matches against Jordan and Iraq in June 2013.

It certainly won't be easy on the field of play but it's looking good nonetheless.

At the official draw in Kuala Lumpur, the Socceroos were selected in Group B alongside Asian heavyweight and old rival Japan.

But an opportunity to exact revenge against the nation that knocked it out of the running for the 1998 World Cup in dramatic circumstances, Iran, never eventuated for Holger Osieck's side.

With a bye in the first round of the second stage, Australia will open its campaign with a trip to Muscat to face Oman on 8 June.

That will be followed by a home fixture against Japan on 12 June.

The Socceroos will complete their qualifying campaign with successive home fixtures against Jordan and Iraq on 11 and 18 June 2013 respectively.

The top two sides from Group B will earn direct qualification into the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with the third-placed side to play off against the third side from Group A for the right to meet a team from South America for a spot in Brazil.

Group A features 2002 World Cup semi-finalist Korea Republic, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Iran.

The Socceroos' path to the finals in Brazil in 2014 became clearer when Australia and Korea Republic were rated Asia's top two teams in a specially released FIFA world rankings list.

Australia is ranked 20th and Korea 30th, which means both teams will be kept apart in the draw for the final two groups featuring Asia's remaining 10 teams.

Australia will face third-ranked Japan or fourth-ranked Iran and three other nations in its group.

"We are confident in our ability to get through so I won't worry too much on who we might face," said Holman, who plays for Dutch Eredivisie side AZ.

"At this stage of qualification we must expect some tough games so it is not that important that we have avoided the Koreans because we can so easily get Japan, who are no different.

"Korea and Japan are very similar in style and quality and we have played them several times.

"They are both hard to beat, as Iran would be."

The Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the draw in Kuala Lumpur will comprise five pots of teams seeded from one to 10.

Each of the two qualification groups will feature one team from each pot.

So the Socceroos' round-robin group will include Japan (ranked 33) or Iran (47), Uzbekistan (67) or Iraq (76), Jordan (83) or Qatar (88) and Oman (92) or Lebanon (124).

The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for Brazil while the two third-placed teams will play off for the right to meet a South American side for a spot in the finals.

Asia's final qualifying campaign will commence on 3 June and end in 18 June 2013.

The Socceroos will have the bye on matchday one so their first match will be away on 8 June.

Australia's final qualifier will be at home.

Holger Osieck's team will have its final dress rehearsal for its World Cup campaign in Copenhagen when it takes on Denmark on 3 June (AEST).

The pacy 28-year-old scored two goals and set up another as Australia came from 2-1 down at AAMI Park on Wednesday night, producing a second-half burst of three goals in three minutes.

While Australia was already through to the final stage of qualifying for Brazil in 2014, Brosque said the added confidence gained by the team, and particularly less established members such as himself, was valuable.

"There were a lot of big names missing, a lot of European-based players that didn't come back," said Japan-based Brosque.

"So that just means that the players that do get a chance, we have to take it and we have to show why we're in the squad.

"Personally I was happy to have contributed my little part to the win."

Brosque had scored only three goals in 10 previous Socceroos appearances, most of which he has started on the bench.

But he said coach Holger Osieck had greatly encouraged him and he was pleased to repay him, when given a chance to start.

"It is about repaying that faith and showing (Osieck) why he does pick you and that's why I guess games like this make me feel a lot better about being in the squad," Brosque said.

Osieck took plenty from the performance of a side missing players such as Tim Cahill, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy and Luke Wilkshire.

He said with some players in unfamiliar positions, it took time to click in the first half, but later produced exactly the type of football he wanted.

"I'm very encouraged by this performance, because individually there were some excellent performances," Osieck said.

"They give me great alternatives for the next qualifying games and the games down the road."

While the coach was unwilling to say which players most impressed him, he said the return of veteran Mark Bresciano, for his first Socceroos outing since the 2010 World Cup and first under Osieck, added hugely to the midfield.

"Mark was the game-dominating element in the midfield," Osieck said.

He also said experienced striker Archie Thompson changed the game when he came off the bench in the 63rd minute.

The Socceroos' burst of three second-half goals began 10 minutes later, with first-half scorer Brosque adding to his tally and A-League stars Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton also scoring.

The Socceroos begin the next qualifying stage on 8 June, with the draw to take place on 9 March.

Bresciano, who plays in the United Arab Emirates for Dubai club Al Nasr, was given an opportunity by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck to show whether he still had it in him to be an influential international player.

Osieck had heard all about the exploits at club and national level of the experienced midfielder.

But since Bresciano went into international hibernation immediately after the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa he never worked under the German mentor although he was 'watched' by Osieck's staff.

This time Osieck did not have to rely on third-party reports on Bresciano's form because he was able to see for himself what the 32-year-old can bring to the team in that vital area between defence and attack.

It was a classic 'No 10' performance, even though he still carries his old number 23.

Osieck's fulsome appraisal of Bresciano's display would suggest that the coach liked what he saw.

Australia dumped its system of two holding midfielders in favour of a sort of diamond for this match against the desperate Saudis, which facilitated the return of attack-minded Bresciano.

After a hesitant start the team moved up the gears in the second part of the first half and it reached its climax with a three-goal blitz that crushed the Saudis.

The beautiful pass through the heart of the Saudi defence that freed Alex Brosque for Australia's first goal showed that Bresciano had lost none of the quick-thinking and passing skills that he perfected by playing for a decade in Italy's Serie A, where speed of thought is paramount in a league that affords players so little space and time on the ball.

He also played a key part in two of Australia's goals in the second half but it was his positive all-round performance punctuated by numbers of high technique that caught the eye of whoever was fortunate enough to watch the pulsating game.

After a fortnight of hell generated by the Gold Coast United saga that reached its climax a few hours before the match when the recalcitrant club was kicked out of the A-League, it was satisfying to be able to savour a truly magnificent game of football.

All in all the team that had a large A-League component played incisively, particularly in the second half.

Most players did a lot of running off the ball and found each other beautifully with crisp and precise passing.

There also was a smooth and efficient transition of the ball from the back towards the front, where fast-improving Brosque and born-again Harry Kewell looked sharp and hungry for goals.

Not since the 6-0 demolition of Uzbekistan in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi-final in Doha did the Socceroos show such fluency in the final third of the field and such clinical finishing.

Osieck will be expected to give Bresciano another chance to impress when Australia meets Denmark in Copenhagen in its next match in June.

By then the Australians will have known their opponents in the final phase of qualifying for a spot in the World Cup in Brazil.

The point was made by Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy this week that it is imperative for the game in Australia that the Socceroos qualify for each and every World Cup.

With a refreshed and revitalised Bresciano keen to prolong his Socceroos career and the team as a whole clicking into gear, Osieck can look towards the last eight matches of the World Cup campaign with optimism.

There is no doubt that, regardless of rankings, Australia and Japan are the strongest teams in Asia at the moment and, barring any reversal of form, they should be on the plane for Brazil.

There were signs in the match against the Saudis that the Australians might also do it in style too.

Australia was certain to progress to the final stage of qualifying top of its group, regardless of the result of the clash at Melbourne's AAMI Park.

But it looked in danger of suffering its first loss on home soil in three years when it trailed 2-1 at half-time and that was still the score 72 minutes into the match.

But the game turned dramatically when the home side piled on three goals in three minutes to ensure it will carry plenty of confidence into the last stage of qualifying for Brazil.

Brosque scored Australia's lone goal in the first half when midfielder Mark Bresciano, playing his first game for the Socceroos since the 2010 World Cup, gave the pacy striker a nice through-ball to run onto.

Brosque was also heavily involved in the second-half onslaught.

He set up Harry Kewell, who had an excellent match, for Australia's second goal of the night, running past the defence into the left of the penalty area, then cutting it back for Kewell's first-touch finish.

Brosque scored himself two minutes later, combining superbly with Brett Emerton, whose perfect chipped cross from the left allowed the striker to speed into the penalty area and head it past the Saudi keeper.

Within a minute of the re-start, Emerton had scored himself, with Bresciano again providing the assist and Emerton having a touch of luck, as a defender's attempted clearance ricocheted off the Australian's boot into the net.

It was fitting the Socceroos had a dose of luck, as earlier in the second half captain Lucas Neill was denied what would have been his maiden international goal by an incorrect offside call.

At the time, that 63rd minute decision looked like being costly for Australia, which was still trailing.

Earlier, the Socceroos made a sluggish start to go a goal down, courtesy of Saudi Arabia's Salem Mohammed Aldawsari in the 19th minute.

After Brosque's 43rd-minute equaliser, the home side paid for some loose defensive checking when Nassir Ali Alshamrani received a cross unmarked in the penalty area and fired home in first-half stoppage time.

"It wasn't the best of first-half performances, we knew the Saudis would come at us, but it was a great response and a good talk at half-time and passing the ball around quickly in the second half opened them up a little bit," Socceroos captain Lucas Neill said.

"It's March 9 now and then we can look ahead and we can really focus in on what we have to do to get to Brazil, the games are going to get tougher than this and we're going to have to be at our best."

Australia's win was good news for Oman, which overtook Saudi Arabia to progress to the next stage with a simultaneous 2-0 win over Thailand in Muscat.

The draw for the final round of Asian group qualifiers is on 9 March.

Socceroos v Saudi Arabia WCQ LIVE on SBS Radio

The Socceroos meet Saudi Arabia in a qualifier at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Wednesday night having already secured their passage to the next stage.

But Neill said Australia would be treating the match immensely seriously.

"Every time we play we're always playing for our places," Neill told reporters on Tuesday.

"This game is no different. Why would we play a game, an international, and not want to win?

"We're playing for a bigger prize now, which is going to Brazil, and we have to prepare."

Despite being the No.1 ranked team in Asia, Neill said if the Socceroos' standards did not lift, they risked being overtaken and missing the World Cup.

"If we're going to get to Brazil, this will be the most satisfying qualifying campaign of the seven years (in Asia) thus far," he said.

"Because the games are tougher, the games are harder. The teams we're playing against are improving all the time.

"We can't get complacent and we have to keep improving ourselves.

"We have to keep the momentum."

While the match is not must-win for Australia, it is for the visitor, which can be overtaken by either Oman or Thailand, who will be playing simultaneously.

Neill said Saudi Arabia would be under huge pressure from its fans, who expected it to qualify.

"We have to expose that," the captain said.

"If they are feeling the pressure we have to make sure they really feel the pressure.

"This is a game that we want to win and we know they have to win.

"So if we find ourselves in the game putting them under pressure, we know that they'll feel that."

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck confirmed recalled midfielder Mark Bresciano would start in what will be his first match for Australia since his self-imposed exile after the 2010 World Cup.

But, despite some new faces in the squad, Osieck said he was in no mood for experimenting with the line-up or formation.

"I don't consider (Bresciano) an experiment, he's a very experienced guy and has played at the top level," the coach said.

Osieck said any player who treated the match as a dead rubber would pay for it.

"All the boys have to qualify for the next round to be part of the Socceroos, that is my point," he said.

"They have to accept it and if I see any complacency here, there's going to be a reaction, that's for sure."

Socceroos v Saudi Arabia WCQ LIVE on SBS Radio

Milligan, on loan at Melbourne Victory from Japan’s second tier JEF United until the end of the A-league regular season, has flourished for Jim Magilton's men in a screening role in recent weeks and Socceroos boss Holger Osieck has taken note.

Likely to team with Brisbane Roar's Erik Paartalu in the World Cup dead rubber, Milligan, told The World Game: “I’m not sure what plans, if any, the boss has for me but if I got an opportunity in midfield, it wouldn’t be that foreign to me at all."

"I played midfield for Shanghai Shenhua during my time there a couple of years back and also at times when I was with Sydney, so it’s always something I am capable of."

"I like the central role, you are always involved in the game and can help break up attacks and launch them also, so if I can help out Holger in any sense I will be more than happy to do so, " he said.

"We are really spoiled for talent at the back and also in midfield, so it’s never going to be easy to get a start in any position."

"Right now, maybe versatility is not a bad thing and I will take what I can get when it comes to be being called into the national team."

"This is a good time to come in for the fact that we have already qualified for the next phase of qualifying and can relax to an extent and take in the occasion."

Milligan’s deal at JEF, which is expected to push hard for promotion back to the J-League this season, expires at the end of the looming campaign.

While he would be happy to stay, he will make a final call in June, by which time he would be free to talk to other clubs if the inclination takes him.

In the unlikely event that Victory make the A-League play-offs, Milligan would be keen to extend his loan stay but said he has no say in that.

"That’s between the clubs and is out of my hands, of course I would want to hang around and help," he added.

"As it is, I will be missing our first two games in Japan."

Milligan believes being based in Japan is probably more beneficial to his national team chances than being back in the A-League.

"The main reason is the length of the Japanese season, which runs for the best part of nine months, as opposed to back home which is so short," he explained.

"That’s the biggest problem for me. It’s such a long off-season here and you need to find something to keep you ticking over. In Japan we 38 regular season games, plus cup matches."

Milligan hasn’t given up hope of Victory making the finals, but admits: "We’re five points adrift now and we’re relying a little bit on other results with four games left."

"When you look at our team we have the players but the results show that in this league you get punished when you don’t take your opportunities."

Socceroos v Saudi Arabia WCQ LIVE on SBS Radio

When they last faced Australia, they were just hungry.

Saudis need to win at Melbourne's AAMI Park to ensure they reach the final stage of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

That seems unlikely, given it lost 3-1 on home soil in September.

But coach Frank Rijkaard claimed that given that match came during a Muslim fasting period, the team was at a serious disadvantage.

"There is a total difference between the two matches," Rijkaard told reporters.

"The previous match in Saudi Arabia, it came at a stage where the players were fasting for the holy month of Ramadan."

"Now they are in a better physical condition for this match."

"Also the league at that time was in its early stages, now it's in the middle of the season, so there's a total difference between now and then."

Rijkaard said while Australia did not need to win, he did not expect anything less than total effort from the home side, particularly in front of its home crowd.

He said despite the critical nature of the match for his own team, it had to guard against attacking too hard and leaving itself vulnerable in defence.

"We will play in a balanced way," he said.

The other sides in the group, Oman and Thailand, will meet at exactly the same time, in Oman.

The winner of that match will overtake Saudi Arabia in second spot and progress along with Australia, if the Saudis lose.

A draw, or even a loss, might get Saudi Arabia through, depending on the other result, but it will take a win-at-all-costs attitude.

"All our ambitions are concentrated on getting a win tomorrow," Rijkaard said.

"Even if we have a bad win tomorrow, we are focused to get a win."

Socceroos v Saudi Arabia WCQ LIVE on SBS radio

Saudi Arabia needs a victory to ensure it progresses to the next round alongside already-qualified Australia from Group D, with either Thailand or Oman in position to take advantage should it slip up.

Australia won 3-1 in Dammam last September and Osieck revealed his side would be going for another win, despite having top spot already sewn up.

"We take it very seriously, it's an international game and it's a great challenge for us to again play on the international stage," Osieck said.

"So we are focused on giving a very good game, having a great performance and I know from all our people we're going to expect a good turnout so that is another obligation for us to really perform well and I think I'm really looking forward to it."

Captain Lucas Neill added: "There's no such thing as a practice match and the manager has already mentioned every time we play we're always playing for our places so this game is no different.

"Why would we want to come and play a game, an international, and not want to win it?"

"We're playing for a bigger prize now, which is going to Brazil and we have to prepare now," Neill said.

"This is a game that we want to win and we know they have to win, so if we find ourselves putting them under pressure we know that they will feel that and their country will feel that and we have to take advantage."

Oman host Thailand in the other game in the group, with Oman just one point behind Saudi Arabia in third and Thailand only a point further back.

Socceroos v Saudi Arabia WCQ LIVE on SBS Radio

Frank Rijkaard's side sit second in Group D of Asian World Cup qualifying, with six points, and need to win to book its spot in the next stage.

Anything less than a victory against the already-qualified Socceroos will mean Saudi Arabia will rely on the result between Oman (five points) and Thailand (four points) in Muscat for its progression.

The Saudis have been in Australia for more than a week and 3-0 and 6-0 victories against a New Zealand Under-23 side and a New Zealand 'A' team respectively mean Rijkaard's men will be well and truly prepared for the match, something that is not lost on Spiranovic.

"We know that they are a very good team," Spiranovic told reporters.

"They have everything to play for Wednesday so they'll come out firing. I think they've already been in Melbourne for 10 days so obviously they are taking it very seriously."

With Australia's qualification assured, manager Holger Osieck has taken the opportunity to include a few uncapped players in camp, with Michael Marrone, Erik Paartalu and Matthew Ryan all selected in the 19-man squad.

But Spiranovic says despite a slight change in personnel, there will be no difference to the team's professional mindset as they look forward to the next stage of qualification on the road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"We have already qualified for the next round but we are keen to keep the momentum going," he said.

"We want to come out with three points. As players, we want to be as professional as possible and we are taking this game like any game.

"We don't want to get into any bad habits and we want to continue the things we have done well in our previous games.

"If we can just fine-tune the things that we need to work on in the next round of qualifiers...we know we'll come up against better opposition as well (in the next stage)."

The 23-year-old has become a regular in Australian squads under Holger Osieck, which he puts down to his strong form with Kayserispor.

But his Turkish club's current struggles to pay their players have created uncertainty about his future.

Troisi, who is contracted for another year, said for the time being he was just concentrating on playing well and hoping the pay issue was resolved.

"I'm not the only one, it's quite a few players at the moment, but they're trying to sort it out for us as soon as possible," said Troisi, who is in Melbourne for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

"It is a little bit disappointing, but that's how it is at the moment.

"As I say, I'll keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully it will get sorted out."

Troisi said the pay problems would certainly be a factor when he considered his next contract.

"I'm happy because I'm playing and scoring goals, so I try to forget about the other side of things and just keep focusing on doing what I'm doing," he said.

"But at the end of the day, I'll have to sit down and work out what's going to be best for me and my career."

While there had been speculation linking Troisi to the A-League, he said he had no intention of returning to Australia at this stage of his career.

He said there had been some interest shown by European clubs, but given he is contracted, he could not yet act on it.

The jersey has an obsidian blue body with a bold yellow stripe along the entire left side, which runs through the national coat of arms.

On the right sleeve is a smaller yellow stripe, which completes the stripe on the body of the shirt, while inside the neck is the Football Federation Australia badge.

The away shorts are obsidian blue, while the away socks are also obsidian blue with ‘Australia’ on the back of each calf.

The Nike produced strip is the sporting giant's most environmentally-friendly design ever.

The fabric of the shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The fabric is also up to 23% lighter than the version four years ago.

Ryan is still in a state of disbelief at his call-up and he will seek to glean every morsel of knowledge he can from the Socceroos’ enduring number one.

“I’ve never met Mark before … the closest I’ve ever been to him was watching as a kid when we beat Uruguay to qualify for the 2006 World Cup when I was in the crowd in Sydney," the 19-year-old said.

“It’s going to be overwhelming to meet him in the flesh, he’s one of Australia’s sporting heroes and to get the chance to train alongside him is incredible.

“He’s been at the top the game for two decades and he is arguably the best keeper this country has produced. He is still one of the best in England, if not the world.

“If I can achieve half of what he has I will be able to look back on a great career. He is the ultimate professional and he is the first on the pitch and the last off it.”

Ryan learned of his elevation when Socceroos goalkeeping coach Tony Franken informed him that he wanted a word in the build-up to the Olyroos' 1-0 loss to UAE last week.

“I actually thought I was in trouble,” he said. “He said he wanted to speak to me after breakfast and when he was walking towards me he was keeping a straight face and I feared the worst.

“But then he came out with it and I was stoked. Life is pretty good right now.”

Ryan is even daring to dream of a possible part to play should Australia qualify for Brazil 2014.

“It’s mind blowing what’s been happening to me and I suppose being called into this squad shows that maybe I would have a little bit of a chance. I’ll just keep doing the best I can," he said

“If I was to make it there would be a lot of hard work in front of me. Hopefully I can give the coaching staff a bit of a headache.”

Ryan’s elevation to the senior national team has heightened his ultimate desire to move overseas, where he can take his game to the next level.

More importantly he can compete on a level playing field with the likes of Adam Federici, Nathan Coe and Mitch Langerak, who are in the hunt for the top spot when Schwarzer, 39, finally packs away his golden gloves.

“I think I’ll have to go at some stage because there’s no doubt that European football is at another level and the likes of Adam and Mitch are already there," Ryan said.

“If I want to become Australia’s number one I will need to be doing the same thing and will be looking to make that a reality somewhere down the track."

"At the moment I’m here and I don’t think staying here another year is going to do me any harm," he said.

“Obviously if something comes up in due course that looks promising I’d take it with open arms.”

Ryan thanked those who have helped his fledgling career flourish – giving particular credit to Mariners goalkeeping coach John Crawley.

“Without his influence I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today," he said.

"He’s worked with Danny Vukovic, Andrew Redmayne and Matt Nash before me and is one of the best.

"Basically, he’s taught me everything I know.

“Graham Arnold, of course, has also been a major influence and support for me and has given me a lot of belief."

The 28-year-old has had the unusual situation in recent years of being a Socceroos regular when fit, but struggling to find a club where he can play regularly at the top level.

A succession of shoulder injuries have not helped the 2010 World Cup player, who has made 39 appearances for the Socceroos since his 2006 debut.

Since establishing his reputation at A-League club Sydney FC from 2005-07, Carney has had stints with English clubs Sheffield United and Norwich City, then Dutch Eredivisie club FC Twente and Blackpool in the English Premier League.

More recently, he spent several months with Spanish second division club AD Alcorcon.

He admitted his latest move, to FC Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan, was not the stuff of boyhood dreams, but held the promise of the continuity of top-level football he was desperate for.

"I didn't expect I'd ever be playing in Uzbekistan," Carney, who is in Melbourne for Wednesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, told reporters on Sunday.

"But sometimes the club, if they really want you, sometimes you've just got to look at that and I just thought why not.

"That's what I need, that's why I'm leaving.

"The coach really wanted me, that's a good thing.

"Hopefully it's good for me that I'll be playing regular football and enjoying it."

Carney's most recent Socceroos appearance came almost a year ago against Germany, when he scored in a 2-1 win.

Much of his time since has been spent regaining fitness after a major shoulder operation last May.

It was his third bout of shoulder surgery, the first of which was in 2006.

Carney said even while playing, in the year leading up to his most recent operation, the shoulder problems were hampering him.

"It was affecting me a lot, it was constantly coming out," Carney said.

"I was thinking every time I did a slide tackle or doing little things, it was in the back of my mind it was going to come out.

"I had to get a big surgery done, it put me out for six months because it was my third operation.

"I needed it. It set me back, but it got fixed and hopefully now I can play regular football."

The former Sydney FC attacking mainstay, whose contract with Shimizu S-Pulse expires at the end of the next J-League season, made no secret of his desire for a return to his Sky Blues roots, at some stage.

And should it come sooner, rather than later, he is convinced his national team prospects would remain undimmed.

“I’ll sit down later in the year and weigh things up and see whether the option is there to come back and play next season in the A-League," Brosque said.

“I’ll look at it and of course the World Cup and national team plays a part in all that and whether I would be able to play or not.

"But as you have seen before many A-League players have been selected and continue to be.”

Brosque has an option for another season in Japan after this one and is not making any snap decisions.

“I am very happy in Japan and with the club and would also be more than happy to stay," he said.

"Of course though, at some stage I would love to return to Australia to play. I have great memories from Sydney. I keep close tabs on them and the affection is always there.”

Brosque, who has joined the Socceroos inner sanctum in the last year under the stewardship of Holger Osieck, was selected for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifying dead rubber against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

With 10 caps for his country, Brosque admits that with the Japanese season not kicking off until his Shimizu S-Pulse side tackles Josh Kennedy’s Nagoya Grampus on 10 March, his sharpness may be a little adrift of the other two strikers in Osieck’s armoury – Melbourne Victory duo Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson.

“We’ve had some trial games and I’m in decent shape but of course Harry and Archie are at their peak with the A-League season coming to its climax," he said.

“Hopefully I can keep up with them. I think a lot will depend on how I go when I come into camp.”

Brosque has been making significant strides under Oseick, scoring the crucial winner in Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign 2-1 victory over Thailand in September and hitting the net twice more in the 5-0 friendly win over Malaysia the following month.

“The fact that last year I was able to get myself into the squad on regular basis and get game time off the bench, I am hoping that his year I can make a case of more game time,” he said.

“It’s all about being patient and taking the opportunity when it comes. “

While unconvinced that his switch from Sydney FC to the J-League has greatly enhanced his game, Brosque does feel he may be a little “sharper” now.

“The J-League is known for its quick and sharp football and I may have improved in that area of my game,” he said.

“Going overseas hasn’t hurt my chances with the national team all. I think it’s put me in the frame a bit and I’m happy I made the move.

“The national team was a big factor in deciding to make the move a year or so ago. There was a choice I had to make and I’m glad I made it.”

Brosque believes the Socceroos squad is in a time of transition with youngsters Matthew Leckie, Nikita Rukavytsya, and Tommy Oar knocking on the door.

“I think you will be hearing a lot more of these boys in the coming years,” he said.

Though Wednesday’s game means far more to Saudi Arabia, which needs a win to ensure its passage through to the next round of Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014, Brosque sees it as an opportunity for players with a point to prove to Osieck.

“The chance is there for some of the boys who maybe don’t figure on a regular basis and that means there will be some hungry players out there," he said.

"So you can be sure we won’t be taking it easy against the Saudis."

Back to Sydney FC, Brosque has mixed feelings over which way the club should leap in pursuit of a replacement for the departing Vitezslav Lavicka.

“The club won its only two titles under Vitja and Pierre Littbarski before him, who of course are from overseas," he said.

“But then you have coaches in Australia like Ange Postecogolu and Graham Arnold who have achieved great things, so it’s a tough call for the club whether to go with another foreigner or appoint a home-grown coach.

"Either way, I am sure they will make the right decision with the likes of Gary Cole now on board in the decision making process.”

Having lost 3-0 to the three-time Asian champion on Wednesday, New Zealand looked to beef up its under-23 side with the addition of four over-age players.

But any game plan head coach Chris Zorocich may have had went out the window with the seventh-minute sending-off of Michael Eagar.

The Saudis made their extra-man advantage count when striker Hamed Al Hamed opened the scoring after 13 minutes before midfielder Ahmed Al Fraidi doubled the advantage four minutes later.

Al Fraidi's Al Hilal teammate Mohammed Al Shlhoub made it 3-0 in the 21st minute before striker Nasser Al Shamrani swooped for the Green Falcons' fourth goal nine minutes after the interval.

The Kiwis were reduced to nine men in the 66th minute when Andrew Milne received his second caution and the Saudis exploited the situation with another two goals courtesy of skipper Taisir Al Jassim's strike and Naif Hazazi's penalty nine minutes from time.

The Saudis wrap up their Brazil 2014 qualifying round three campaign in Melbourne with a crucial fixture against Australia looking for the victory that would guarantee their place in the draw for the fourth round of qualifiers on 9 March alongside the Socceroos, who sealed top spot in Group D with two games to spare.

Bresciano, 32, asked not to be picked for the Socceroos after the 2010 World Cup but will return from an 18-month absence in Wednesday's 2014 qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

Neill is better equipped than most to gauge Bresciano's form and mindset as both ply their trade in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.

And the Australia captain, who plays for third-placed Al Jazira, said Bresciano had been back to his best with second-placed Al Nasr and was "like a kid being picked for the first time" after his first call-up under Holger Osieck.

"I can tell you from a first-hand opinion that he (Bresciano) has been brilliant," Neill said on Friday, after launching his investment in the MR SOCCER youth training program alongside former national team-mate Mark Robertson.

"He's really enjoying his football, you can see that and I hope you get a chance to see that on Wednesday.

"He's scored eight goals from centre midfield (for Al Nasr) and that's not easy to do.

"I hope he gets a chance to play for the Socceroos and comes back and takes that chance because he's a valuable asset to the Socceroos, he's still got a lot to offer and his experience could add a dimension that we need as a Socceroos team going to Brazil."

Neill's decision to switch from Europe to the Middle East last year raised a few eyebrows, but the 33-year-old was confident he would be able to maintain his high standards with the national team.

The former Blackburn and West Ham defender has found the score sheet four times this season, something he hopes signals his first international goal is not far away.

"I know where the net is now," Neill said.

"I've got to bring that into my Australian form now and turn a 79 (caps) and 0 (goals) into and 80 and 1.

"... I feel good, I feel strong and I'm in a good environment now where I can control my training, control how I feel every day of the week and I've got a manger that supports that.

"As long a can come back and compete at a level for Australia, I'll consider it to be a very good season on a personal note."

Wednesday's match is a dead rubber from the Socceroos point of view, having already guaranteed top place in the group to progress to the next stage.

But Neill insists the squad, including a handful of fringe players and A-League hopefuls, should treat it as anything but with the first two qualifiers of the next stage, and a friendly with Denmark, looming in June.

"We've got to make sure we don't show complacency," Neill said.

"This game is another game that everybody has to be in Holger's mind pushing for a start, knowing that maybe there's another 10 guys that aren't here that are going to come back.

"There's only enough room (in a squad) for 23 players and there's probably 50 to choose from.

"... No matter who you are, this could be your only chance and you've got to come in and show why you got picked and take that chance."

The MR SOCCER programs focus on School Sports Sessions, Holiday Camps and a Skills Development Program with all clinics personally designed by Neill and Robertson and open to both boys and girls of all fitness and skill levels.

“I feel strongly about wanting to help make a tangible difference to future of not just soccer in Australia but also the general health and well being of our kids,” Neill said.

“Grass roots soccer is where the greatest impact can be made and I would like to pass on the skills that I have developed over the years to participants of all levels.

“MR SOCCER is the best program of its kind around and I wouldn’t have invested my own money if I didn’t believe it was.”

MR SOCCER has already begun working with several Sydney schools with plans to soon expand all over NSW before launching into other states in the future.

The transfer, if completed, would give Rangers a much-needed injection of cash and reduce its wage bill as administrators look to cut costs at the club.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Rangers have confirmed today that a fee has been agreed with Busan but that negotiations on the transfer are still continuing."

Scottish football has been reeling since Rangers was placed in administration last week following the non-payment of taxes since Craig Whyte's takeover of the club in May 2011.

The Old Firm side was immediately docked 10 points by the Scottish Premier League to all but end its hopes of clinching a fourth title in a row.

Administration is the process whereby a troubled company calls upon independent expert financial help in a bid to remain operational.

Spiranovic on Tuesday was selected for next week's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

The gifted 23-year-old, who plays his club football for J.League giant Urawa Red Diamonds, has steadily come into his own for Australia and has started the last three internationals to take his appearances tally to 12.

There was a time, especially after missing out on a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, when the Geelong-born player was not sure what the future held for his Socceroos aspirations.

But with the arrival of Osieck, Spiranovic's luck changed dramatically.

”As a player you cannot ask for more than your coach being very honest and straightforward with you,” Spiranovic said from Japan, where he is undergoing the final phase of pre-season training before Urawa's first league match away to Hiroshima on 10 March.

”Holger has given me a lot of confidence and because of his openness he's been able to get the best out of individual players and the team as a whole.

”In the last 12 to 18 months I've been working very hard and whenever I got the opportunity to play for the national team I made sure I was ready and fit.

”I had to be patient because I knew all along that my chance would come and it was always going to be up to me if I would take it.

”Holger definitely has brought the best out of me because he has given me the freedom to express myself.”

Osieck was glowing in his praise for Spiranovic when he announced his squad for the Saudi Arabia match.

”Spira made a good development in the second part of our qualifying campaign and he played very solidly and I am very happy with him,” Osieck said.

”You look at his age and number of game he has played already, then I think down the road he is going to be one of our regulars.”

Spiranovic is expected to partner captain Lucas Neill in the centre of Australia's defence at AAMI Park, although Korea Republic-based Sasa Ognenovski is also in the reckoning.

”I've been part of a lot of camps since I was 18 years old,” Spiranovic said.

”But you can never take anything for granted with all the competition for places, which is a good thing.

”It's nice to know that Holger believes in me.”

Spiranovic is eagerly awaiting the draw for the final phase of qualifying that will determine if Australia plays in its fourth and third straight World Cup.

”To be honest I have not looked too much into the teams left in the reckoning,” Spiranovic said.

”I know that there will be some good teams and our group will obviously be tougher than the last one (featuring Saudi, Oman and Thailand) so as a team we will have to be prepared.

”Just recently at club level we have played a few South Korean teams and there is no doubt that they are a very strong footballing country.

”But in saying that there are other countries like Uzbekistan, Iran and Iraq who will be pushing for a spot in Brazil.”

He also knows playing in this month's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park could expose him to talent scouts around the world.

Lured back to Brisbane from Scotland by coach Ange Postecoglou to give his impish midfield some genuine height, the 193cm midfielder admitted he still hoped to play overseas.

"When I first came to Brisbane, it wasn't just to come home and finish my days playing in the A-League," he said.

"I've still got aspirations of playing overseas again and giving it a good crack.

"Ange has never stood in anyone's way and that is still a goal."

Paartalu said the established Socceroos players had already done the hard work to get the team through to the next stage of the World Cup.

"Hopefully us guys who are going to play next Wednesday can do the job and get a positive result," he said.

"Myself, Michael Marrone and Matty Ryan who are getting their first call up to the national team, it's a huge honour and obviously we're all buzzing to be a part of it.

"But we have to remember it's national team duty, we're not going there to get our first cap but to get the team over the line with a positive result.

"It's up to us to put on a good show."

Paartalu has been doing just that for Brisbane, leading the club out of a record five-game losing streak and into second place on the A-League ladder, still with a slight chance of overhauling leader Central Coast Mariners.

"It's pretty exciting," Paartalu said of his call-up.

"I got the phone call yesterday (Monday).

"I'm over the moon. It's a childhood dream to get a chance to represent your country.

"Hopefully I will get that chance with a few minutes next Wednesday night."

Paartalu, who spent a few days working with with Osieck as a member of the national talent identification squad, said he could adjust his positional play to fit in with whatever Osieck required.

"I haven't spent a lot of time with Holger, I only had two days with him in Sydney." he said.

"He's obviously very knowledgeable about football and very tactical.

"I can work in with whatever he wants from me."

Despite his exciting news, Paartalu said his focus remained on Saturday's away clash with Perth Glory, who is four points behind Roar in third position.

Once touted as future star for the Socceroos, Carle’s selection is his first since he was part of the national set-up leading into the 2010 World Cup, at which he did not take part.

“I’m looking forward to getting into camp and hoping to be able to play a part in the World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.”

Carle is joined in the squad by fellow Sydney FC midfielder Brett Emerton who is eyeing his 91st Socceroos cap.

“It’s always nice to win selection for the national team and everyone knows what it means to me to put on the green and gold shirt so to be selected in the World Cup qualifier next week is great news,” Emerton said.

“I look forward to getting back into camp with the boys next week but first things first and we have a massive game against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night where a win could see us right back in the hunt for 4th place and a home semi final.”

Both marquee players will be available for Sydney FC against Wellington Phoenix at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday, before heaving into camp.

The veteran midfielder hasn't featured in a Socceroos squad since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but his career-best form for the resurgent United Arab Emirates club - eight goals in 11 starts this season - has led to his inclusion in a strong squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Saudis at AAMI Park on Wednesday 29 February.

Joining Bresciano are fellow experienced campaigners Mark Schwarzer and captain Lucas Neill, while Uzbekistan-based David Carney makes a return to the national team after persistent injuries and an uncertain club future led to an extended Socceroos hiatus.

In a squad that blends youth and experience, Central Coast goalkeeper Matt Ryan and Brisbane Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu were rewarded for their stellar A-League campaigns with debut call-ups, while A-League marquee stars Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton were also selected.

A notable omission was Tim Cahill, who has been seeing some recent game time with Everton in the Premier League.

Osieck said he is looking forward to runnig his eye over the new names in his squad during the dead-rubber match.

“This match is as important as any match we play to further build on what we have achieved so far,” he said.

“Each match we play is a chance for players to prove themselves and their position in the squad.

“The players included from the A-League will get a closer look throughout the camp and I will make up my mind if I play them from our sessions.”

With second place in Group D still up for grabs, FIFA has ruled that both matches in will kick-off simultaneously at 8.30pm AEDT.

The Socceroos are top of the group with maximum points from their opening five matches followed by Saudi Arabia in second place, then Oman and Thailand.

Socceroos squad to play Saudi Arabia at AAMI park on 29 February: Mark BRESCIANO (Al Nasr - UAE), Alex BROSQUE (Shimizu S-Pulse - Japan), David CARNEY (Bunyodkor - Uzbekistan), Nick CARLE (Sydney FC), Brett EMERTON (Sydney FC), Harry KEWELL (Melbourne Victory), Michael MARRONE (Melbourne Heart), Mark MILLIGAN (Melbourne Victory), Lucas NEILL (Al Jazira - UAE), Jade NORTH (Consadole Sapporo - Japan), Sasa OOGNENOVSKI (Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma - Korea Republic), Erik PAARTALU (Brisbane Roar), Mat RYAN (Central Coast Mariners), Adam SAROTA (FC Utrecht), Mark SCHWARZER (Fulham - England), Matthew SPIRANOVIC (Urawa Red Diamonds - Japan), Michael THWAITE (Gol Coast United), Archie THOMPSON (Melbourne Victory), James TROISI (Kayserispor - Turkey)

Holger Osieck will announce his Socceroos team to play Saudi Arabia this morning AEDT.

With the Socceroos already through to the next 2014 World Cup qualifying stage, the match is effectively a dead rubber and coach Holger Osieck is expected to call on several A-League players for the match.

An overseas contingent headed by skipper Lucas Neill is likely to feature, with Mark Bresciano tipped to return to the national team set-up.

But Melbourne Victory's Kewell, who is arguably the form Australian player in the A-League, is a certain call-up for the February 29 match at AAMI Park.

The 33-year-old has been in rare form for his club, scoring two clinical goals in a 3-2 Week 20 loss to Brisbane Roar.

Kewell has also proved his durability this season, playing 20 of Victory's 22 A-League games and scoring seven goals.

In-form Brisbane Roar is likely to provide several players for the Socceroos, with midfielders Mitch Nichols and Erik Paartalu believed to be under serious consideration.

But Paartalu, who has played at Australian under-17 level and whose precision passing and rugged tackling has been a feature for the Roar, isn't getting his hopes up.

"It would nice to get a call-up but I wouldn't be upset if I don't," said Paartalu.

While Australia are through to the final 10 teams in Asia after winning four of its five matches, the match has huge implications for the Saudi Arabia, which can still qualify in second place in the group.

Also of interest will be the actual kick-off time for Australia's match, with an 8.30pm or 9.30pm timeslot mooted because of the need to play the matches simultaneously.

That is also expected to be confirmed on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old Australia goalkeeper has been a mainstay in the Cottagers' side since joining from Middlesbrough in 2008.

Last month he committed his future to the west London side for another season and the veteran wants to go even further.

Schwarzer wants to represent Australia at the 2014 World Cup and, despite the fact he would be 41 at the time, believes it is well within reach.

"It's great, I am living the dream," he said. "I am playing football at the highest level and I am almost 40 years old.

"There are not too many of us that can say that so I am still playing because I love playing.

"As long as you love playing and you're still good enough to play at this level then I want to continue.

"I still have ambitions to go and represent Australia in another World Cup in 2014, that is my ultimate goal and I am working towards it."

Schwarzer recently spent a spell out with a spinal injury but returned for the trip to Manchester City and the home clash with Stoke, where Pavel Pogrebnyak's debut goal helped Fulham to a 2-1 victory.

"I thought the performance was pretty good," Schwarzer said.

"If you look at the possession - while I don't know exactly what it was - it was pretty much in our favour for most of the game.

"I thought if anything we were a little bit disappointed in the end that we still gave Stoke an opportunity to get back into the game because of the chances we created and the way we played football.

"I think we deserved to have the game out of their reach a lot sooner.

"That wasn't to be and you can never knock their determination and fighting spirit.

"You know if Stoke get a sniff they can get back in the game, you know you're going to be into a real fight to hold on to that lead."

While Schwarzer was frustrated to concede Ryan Shawcross' header, he was relieved not to suffer the same misfortune as opposite number Thomas Sorensen.

The Denmark international's own goal proved decisive as a Clint Dempsey long-range effort rattled the crossbar and went in off the goalkeeper's back.

"You always feel for a goalkeeper when they concede a goal that people would adjudge to be a soft goal," Schwarzer added.

"Obviously he was a little bit unlucky as it bounced back off the crossbar and came off him and went in the back of the goal. It is never nice."

Back to his brilliant best, reports have suggested Sterjovski could be picked by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck for the FIFA World Cup qualifier at AMMI Stadium in Melbourne but Glory’s Australian marquee says he has no interest returning.

“No, none at all," Sterjovski said.

“There is plenty of good young players coming through that can do a great job and I am happy with the way my life has gone and the decisions I have made, so definitely not.”

Sterjovski’s recent form has been one of the reasons why Perth has surged to fourth spot on the A-League table and the star forward is wary of Sydney FC after its loss to Newcastle Jets.

“They are looking to bounce back so we are expecting a tough game from them.”

Saturday’s clash at the Sydney Football Stadium will be the third time the two sides have met this season and the second time in a month.

“It is a bit unusual but that’s the kind of league it is, you play teams all over the place but we’re ready to play, we have been on a bit of a roll and are looking for it to continue.”

Sydney FC will be without striker Mark Bridge (ankle injury) but Socceroos midfielder Brett Emerton returns, a player Sterjovski knows extremely well from their time in the national team together.

“He’ll be a big boost for them, he’s a great player, he’ll give them a big lift," Sterjovski added.

In an open letter to the football community obtained by The World Game, Richards, a member of the 1974 Socceroos squad that was the first Australia team to qualify for the World Cup, praised the actions of the 1997 group, which fought for greater prize-money during the Confederations Cup of that year and threatened to walk out on the tournament before then-governing body Soccer Australia agreed to meet its requests.

England-born Richards revealed a similar dispute took place in 1974, with the whole squad poised to walk out on the World Cup, being held in West Germany.

“Most, if not all Socceroo squads have had disputes with the national administrative body over conditions and monetary compensation just as we did at the 12th hour (sic) before flying out to Germany for Australia’s first appearance at a World Cup,” Richards wrote.

“We set up a leadership group in 1974 with some of its members the greatest names ever to wear the green and gold. The 1997 squad … did the same.

“Our concerns were similar to theirs. We had teammates that needed to be looked after. Teammates that had helped us qualify but would not be going to (West) Germany in the final squad.

“The difference then was that we stuck together, as mates do.”

While the 1997 playing group's action pioneered improved conditions for players wearing the green and gold, it also caused a rift in the squad, which re-emerged in the football media recently.

Richards took aim at critics of the stance taken by the majority of the 1997 Confederations Cup squad, speaking of the value of “fighting for what you believe in” and “honouring" the Socceroos jersey.

“The Socceroo legend over many years has been built on strength of character, mateship and being there for your players when things get tough,” Richards continued.

“Unfortunately the fabric isn’t always cut to fit the individual, but that is in the minority.”

Richards closed his letter with a message to all those that have represented Australia on the football field.

“To all past, current and future Socceroos, I ask you consider what you represent, enhance the legend with your own actions, and build on its reputation.”

Though embroiled in a pay dispute with Turkish Super Lig outfit Kayserispor, where his four-year contract still has 18 months to run, the 23-year-old told The World Game he has no intention of heading to the A-League, no matter what the outcome of the wrangling over unpaid wages.

Speaking for the first time over an issue which has thrown in question his future in Turkey, Troisi - who has scored five times in 15 appearances for Kayserispor this season - declared: "I haven't spoken to any clubs whatsoever in Australia and my priority is to stay in Europe.

"I do have few problems in Turkey but I have definitely not been in discussions with the Jets or anybody and have no idea where the information about me supposedly heading back is coming from."

The former Newcastle United and Genclerberligi left-sided raider has been in Turkey four years, outlasting the likes of Harry Kewell, Nicky Carle, Shane Smeltz and Bruce Djite in one of Europe's most demanding competitions.

He added: "People are jumping the gun a bit on coming back home. I am still young and Australia really hasn't crossed my mind at all.

"I've been in Turkey a while now and my main aim is try and resolve the issues I'm facing, the bottom line is I haven't been paid for a while and the situation is hopefully going to be resolved."

Troisi confirmed he has been in touch with PFA chief Brendan Schwab over his plight and was taking advice from the players' body.

With the transfer window open until the end of the month, Trosi is keeping his options open on a possible switch elsewhere in Europe, adding: "It's really hard to see how this will play out.

"It's not just about me not getting paid; quite few of the players at my club are in a similar position."

Troisi, who has eight caps for his country and has been a regular member of Holger Osieck's squads, hinted that he may not be involved in next month's FIFA World Cup qualification dead rubber against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne as he attempts to clarify his club future.

"I love playing for Australia and I feel I have been doing well for my club up to now but perhaps the Saudi Arabia game might be a bit tricky for some of the European-based players. But it's down to the boss of course.

"I think Holger has already spoken to a few of the Europe-based boys and it looks like he may lean a little bit more this time on the A-league players but we will see."

And on the likelihood of move away from Kayserispor during this transfer window, he added: "If anything happens it will probably be at the last minute."

Behich, 21, has been in outstanding A-League form with three superb performances in succession.

Already an Olyroos regular, Behich's recent efforts may convince Socceroos coach Holger Osieck to try the competition's form left-back in the senior team's dead rubber against the Saudis on his home pitch - Melbourne's AAMI Park.

Heart coach John van't Schip says converted attacker Behich, whom he admits still needs some work on his defensive skills, is playing so well that he could now be ready for higher honours.

And a match in which Osieck may rely on A-League players rather than his overseas-based stars could be the ideal test bed for Behich to be compared against incumbent Michael Zullo or recent makeshift option Matt McKay.

"I'm happy with how Aziz is progressing. He knows as well defensively he has to keep working on his positioning," he said when asked if Behich may be up to national team honours.

"You can't go ahead of yourself especially if you are only 21. There are a lot of things you have to improve.

"If you are talking about the Socceroos, he is on a good way. It's up to him, and the coach of course to select him if he's see there's a future for him.

"But I certainly see he can make that step."

Behich would be available to play in the Socceroos' match on 29 February, with the Olyroos' crucial away qualifier against United Arab Emirates scheduled for 22 February.

He shone again during the 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar on Saturday night, creating Heart's goal by nutmegging Besart Berisha and impressing with his marauding work getting forward down the left.

The 39-year-old has endured a frustrating six-week stint on the sidelines with a neck injury but says he's ready to throw himself back into full training.

Given Australia is already guaranteed of progressing through to the next stage of World Cup qualifying, coach Holger Osieck will be reluctant to push his veteran keeper when it's not needed.

However, Schwarzer, who is approaching 100 caps for the national side, says he'll put his hand up if required.

"I've told people many, many times, if the manager is ever going to ask me if I want to play or not I'll always give the same answer. I always want to play," he told the Sin Bin program on Sydney's 95.3FM.

"I'm 100 percent available so long as I'm fit but I desperately want to be there.

"I want to play and like I said I always want to play as many games as I possibly can for Australia.

"I won't lie, you have it (100 caps) at the back of your mind but that doesn't drive me.

"What drives me is continuing to be successful for the national team, hopefully qualify for our third successive World Cup and continue to establish football on the map in Australia."

Schwarzer signed a one-year contract extension with Fulham during the week and is looking forward to helping the club turn its English Premier League fortunes around.

"I am, it was a clause in my contract ... unfortunately I fell short of exercising the clause by myself through appearances because I got injured," he said.

"But the club had the right to extend my contract and decided after getting as much information about my injury and the extent of it that they'll reassure everything's going to be fine and they'll take up the option which I'm delighted about.

"It's (fitness) going quite good, in the last two weeks I've been working particularly hard doing four sessions a day trying to get as fit as possible."

The Australian had established himself in the side for the first time with a seven-game run before suffering the setback in early December.

McLeish admits the injury is "slightly more long term" than had been originally envisaged.

He said: "Chris has got the protective boot on again and it depends how it feels when he takes it off. That's going to be the key.

"The last time he took it off, it was still sore. It's a ligament in his ankle. It's a kind of awkward one.

"If they take the boot off and he's not got any discomfort, then it could be another month."

The Socceroos are the top-ranked Asian country and will be the top seed going into the World Cup qualifying draw.

Korea Republic has jumped into second spot in Asia meaning it won't be drawn in Australia's group in the upcoming qualifiers.

World and European champion Spain remains top of FIFA's rankings.

Netherlands has regained second spot from Germany and Argentina return to the top ten.

Uruguay has moved to fourth followed by Brazil who rose two places to fifth.

England and Portugal each fell one place to sixth and seventh respectively.

Argentina climbed three places to eighth and Italy and Croatia completed the top ten.

Cote d'Ivoire is the highest ranked African team at 15th.

Bosnar, who scored eight goals in 47 games form Shimizu S-Pulse during the past two season, confirmed his exit from J-League outfit on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old received a number of offers from Korean clubs but appears set to join a club he refers to as 'massive'.

Suwon is a two-times Asian champion, four-times K-League title winner and finished fourth in the 2011 Korean top flight.

"If the move goes ahead I think it gives me a good chance of getting back in the Socceroos picture," Bosnar said.

"The facilities at Suwon are better than anything I have seen in Japan and it would give me a chance to play at a higher level.

"This could be a good deal for me and Shimizu."

But first Bosnar is on his way to Croatia to marry his long-time partner.

His father Branko Culina confirmed on Christmas Eve that the 59-times capped Socceroos ace has received an early gift from renowned Sydney surgeon Leo Pinczewski.

Culina was last week given a clean bill of health and is free to resume training after being unable to kick a ball this season.

“It’s been a very difficult year for Jason, with two bouts of surgery after his first operation in January, and all the other things that have happened,” Branko Culina said.

“But he has remained optimistic, upbeat and positive. He isn’t dead, he’s still very much alive and the specialist has told him he is clear to get going again and Jason’s delighted with that.

"He has been informed he can start running again next week, which is great news."

PFA launched legal action on Jason's behalf against FFA for failing to ensure he was insured when he joined Gold Coast United in 2009 and then earlier this year Newcastle Jets - who sought in October to have his contract ripped up after he broke down through injury and had been ruled out for the season.

“From Jason’s side of things there was never any danger that he wouldn’t come back, it was others who seemed to decide otherwise without knowing the full facts of his situation," Branko said.

“Jason’s a very determined individual and he wouldn’t have achieved what he has in his career and in his life without being a fighter.

“This is just another hurdle he's looking forward to overcoming. He wants to play for Australia again and I have no doubt he can achieve that.”

Recuperating from a second operation in September, Culina, 31, is undergoing his rehab under the auspices of the Jets medical team.

It’s not known where Culina will continue his career once he returns from injury but according to his father he is just relieved to be able to begin picking up the pieces in his career.

“Jason came back to the A-League at a time when it desperately needed a lift when he was only 28 and at the top of his game,” the former Jets coach, who was axed along with his son, said.

“Some people quickly forget the contribution he made to the A-League when it most needed it.

“It’s wonderful to have Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton back but let's not forget that Jason was the first current Socceroo to return at the peak of his powers and help develop the competition.

“It’s disappointing that maybe when he needed support the most in that difficult period since the injury, and the dispute with the Jets which ensued, there hasn’t been the support you might expect for a player who has given so much for his country.

"He played at two World Cups where he was one of only two players to have played every minute of every game.”

It’s believed Culina's second operation was to straighten his left leg, which was bowed and creating accelerated wear and tear on his anterior cartilage. His surgeon is expecting an outcome that should not hinder his career further.

The hosts will be in its final stages of planning for Euro 2012, while the match will serve as the Socceroos' final hit-out prior to the fourth round of World Cup qualifiers.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck expects the Danes will provide stiff opposition.

"Denmark is a highly regarded football team with a well respected coach in Morten Olsen," said Osieck.

"The Danes will be a week away from their opening match for Euro 2012 when we meet in June so we expect to face a full strength and motivated opponent."

Australia has already qualified for the next phase of World Cup Asian qualification, with matches to start in mid-June next year.

The Asian Football Confederation will announce the draw for the fourth round in late March.

Denmark, currently ranked No.11 in the world, will play the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal in the Euro 2012 group stage.

The 32-year-old made his last start for the national team in its 5-0 friendly win over Malaysia on October 7, but Osieck has opted for Matthew Spiranovic in the centre of defence for both his side's World Cup qualifiers against Oman and its most recent outing against Thailand.

Ognenovski, who plays his club football for Korean outfit Seongnam, is unfazed by Osieck's decision to opt for 23-year-old Spiranovic, and said it is important to blood the next generation of players.

"He's got to give Spira a go. Me and Lucas [Neill] are 32 and 33 respectively," Ognenovski said.

"If injury comes along and Spira gets thrown into the deep end, especially in the next round [of World Cup qualifying], he might find it difficult.

"So I think he's just giving him some game time to make sure that he's ready and knows what to expect in the next round."

Ognenovski said he has all but given up on his dream of playing in Germany's Bundesliga, and said the prohibitive price tag his Korean club has put on him means he will likely serve out the remaining year on his contract.

"I don't think so," Ognenovski said when quizzed about a possible move to Germany.

"Just because of the transfer fee that's on my head. None of the European clubs are paying.

"I've got a contract, there's a little bit of interest here and there but there's nothing concrete so at the moment it's just speculation."

The Australia international sustained the injury during Fulham's 2-0 defeat at Swansea and saw a specialist consultant for the problem.

Schwarzer has been diagnosed with a compression injury to his thoracic spine and will be unavailable for between four and six weeks.

Brosque has just ended his first championship in Japan after leaving Sydney FC last January.

Shimizu finished 10th in the league but is still in the national cup competition and on Saturday it takes on JEF United at home in the round of 16.

The winner of the cup will play in the 2012 AFC Champions League and Brosque could be playing against his old club Brisbane Roar - then known as Queensland Roar - in the group phase starting in March.

"It would be very nice to play Brisbane, I'm excited about the possibility," Brosque said as he prepares for the weekend clash against fellow Australian player Mark Milligan's JEF.

"Brisbane were my first club in the A-League in 2005-2006 and they have a good team although they have been struggling lately.

"We really want to take the cup so as to win something this year and play in the next Champions League.

"Some of the big teams take the cup a bit lightly and some of their foreigners go home so I reckon we have a big chance.

"Hopefully we have a good game against my old mate Millsy's team."

Brosque, who has broken into Holger Osieck's Australia squad, said he was more than satisfied with his overall performance in his first season abroad.

After a few rounds the needs of the team forced Iranian coach Afshin Ghotbi to convert Brosque from a striker into an attacking midfielder with a degree of success, so much so that he is likely to stay in that role in the coming season.

"When I joined the club my aim was to play as many games as possible and try to break into the team and establish myself," he said.

"I ended up playing in 33 of the 34 matches of the season because I was suspended for one match and I scored a few goals too (seven) so all in all I think I did well.

"Looking back, I can't complain with how it went but having said that there are a few things you can get away with in a first season with a club.

"You go through some rough patches and your form sort of goes up and down because it is your first year so next season hopefully I will improve on this and step up a little bit."

Brosque however has no doubt that one year in Japan has already made him a better player, which is also good news for the Socceroos as they try to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

"J.League players are very sharp and quick, even at training," he explained.

"That automatically improves your game especially my awareness and speed of thought and knowing what to do with the ball before it comes to you and always trying to see things a couple of passes in advance.

"I don't think I've become a great player overnight or anything like that but since I've come here I am a bit better, yes."

Brosque, who is on a two-year contract with Shimizu, is happily settled in the city of Shizuoka, which is an hour away by train from Tokyo.

"I am 28 now and I think there are still a few seasons left in me," he said.

"If next season goes as well as this year I have an option for a third, so we shall see.

"My wife and I both love the country and its people but we also know that we want to come back home one day.

"And hopefully it will be my home team Sydney FC."

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said the world ranking was one aspect of a plan to boost the sport in Australia over the coming four years.

The plan aims for the 'development of a football culture ingrained with unique Australian characteristics', the building of an A-League that rivals the best in Asia, creation of a player development pathway that rivals the world's best and efforts to make football 'a sporting and social powerhouse in Australia'.

Buckley said the plan, released on Wednesday to coincide with the visit to Australia by Asian Football Confederation president Zhang Zilong 'will drive everything we do in the next four years'.

"The mission is to ... convert mass participation and interest into active support for national teams and the A-League. Our mission is all about conversion - turning passion into engagement.

"We have 1.7 million participants in Australian football, as measured by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

"Since 2001, participation in outdoor football has roughly doubled. These numbers are our greatest strength and our biggest opportunity."

Buckley said FFA's targets included seeing the Australian men's team qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil and reaching the round of 16 'as a minimum'; winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup on home soil and contesting for a top 10 spot on the FIFA rankings by 2015.

Lim, who gave a presentation called The Asian Cup TSG Technical and Tactical Review during the three-day Asian Cup conference in Kuala Lumpur which started on Wednesday, said the top nations had shared some of the winning combinations.

Consistency and persistence:

The AFC elite coaching Iinstructor said the four semi-finalists had maintained the same players throughout the championship and in the same position.

”There was top-class individual performance by the ‘backbone’ of the four semi-finalists which were maintained throughout the competition," Lim said.

“For example, Japan maintained Nagatomo, Honda, Endo and Hasebe while Australia kept Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell.

“As for Korea Republic, Ji Sung, Dong Won, Young Pyo and Ja Cheol were kept while Uzbekistan maintained Djeparov, Kapadze and Shatskikh.”

Team harmony:

The former AFC technical director said Japan had displayed excellent team harmony which was a culture in Japanese society.

Australia had also created good harmony between the senior players who were close to their international careers and the rookie players, added Lim.

Tactical expertise:

The Malaysian national football development programme technical director said the four semi-finalist nations had boasted tactical superiority throughout the competition.

“Japan scored 14 goals, out of which six were scored in the last 15 minutes of the match or in the extension-time period. The timely substitution of Tadanari Lee in the 98th minute and his well-crafted volley got them the Asian Cup," said Lim.

“Meanwhile, Australia’s excellent defending structure and discipline only allowed two goals to get past Schwarzer.

“As for Korea Republic, seven out of their 13 goals came within the first 30 minutes of the game.”

The process of awarding the gulf country the event over the likes of Australia and the US, and the awarding of the 2018 tournament to Russia, has been widely criticised in the past year amid ongoing allegations of corruption within world football's governing body.

Lowy, 81, was formally re-elected for another four years on Monday and laid out his ambitions to continue pushing Australia to becoming a "world class" football nation.

But asked about Australia's failed bid to host the 2022 event - in which FFA earned only a single vote from the executive committee - Lowy hinted strongly his belief that FIFA could have to cave to pressure from around the world over the bidding process.

"I don't know whether you recall when I came back from that fateful day (after losing the bid) and I said 'this is not the last word about awarding the World Cup'," Lowy said on Monday. "Well it wasn't the last word and the last word hasn't been heard yet.

"Don't ask me to elaborate because I don't have a crystal ball ... but the media all over the world talking is about that, the awarding particularly of '22, the state of the FIFA executive committee - all that stuff.

"It's not over. I don't exactly know where it will bounce. The only thing I know is it's not over yet."

While anger lingers over Australia's failed $45 million bid, Lowy said FFA's focus in the coming years would be on strengthening the game domestically and successfully hosting the 2015 Asian Cup.

FFA has also set out ambitious targets for the national team and they are relying on the Socceroos qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to ensure a set of financial targets.

Despite predicting a surplus in February, the federation posted a loss of $891,000 for the 2010-2011 financial year due to having to rescue several struggling A-League clubs including the now defunct North Queensland Fury.

Among the on-field targets for the Socceroos are to reach the knockout rounds of the 2014 World Cup and challenge for a position inside the top 10 of the FIFA rankings by 2015.

Lowy said among FFA's other biggest challenges was to convert more of the 1.7 million participants in all forms of the sport into supporters, agreeing interest in the national team had softened in recent times.

"I am concerned that Australia's expectations are a little bit too high and that they want us to win all the time and they don't come and follow it as much as they used to," Lowy said.

"The competition is hard. Asia has improved a lot, but we have a coach and a good team and I expect to be there (in 2014) but I expect to get a bit more enthusiasm from the country."

Lowy insisted he had been fully cleared of health problems suffered earlier this year and declared his biggest personal goal to "make the game sustainable."

The Australia international has not scored for the Toffees since December 20 last year.

He came close to ending that run in last weekend's 2-1 win over Wolves but did not connect properly with his six-yard shot and saw the effort blocked by defender Stephen Ward and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Moyes accepts Cahill, 32 in a fortnight, has not been at his best since January but has no concerns about the player.

"It has been difficult for Tim," said the Scot, ahead of Sunday's (AEDT) match at Bolton.

"He has not really recovered correctly since he came back from the Asian Cup last season and he has found it quite tough since then.

"I have no doubt his goals will come - he will get his goals; he has got them every other year and I've no reason to think he won't.

"The sooner he starts the better but I believe he will get his usual tally of between eight and 10 goals a season."

Last weekend's much-needed win saw Everton come from behind with a goal by Phil Jagielka from a free-kick by Leighton Baines, who then scored the winning penalty.

Everton has managed to create chances without converting as many as it should have from open play but at the moment Moyes is just happy to be scoring more than the opposition.

"It doesn't matter where the goals come from. We've missed a few chances so it would be nice for the forwards to get on the scoresheet," he added.

"Tim had a great chance against Wolves and we want them to score but we've always said it is a team game and it doesn't matter who scores the goals as long as the team wins."

Holger Osieck's side was defeated 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Muscat a fortnight ago before bouncing back to defeat Thailand 1-0 in Bangkok four days later.

The result ensured the Socceroos progressed to the final stage of Asian World Cup qualifying next year but saw them drop two places to No.22 on the latest rankings released on Wednesday.

World and European champion Spain stayed atop the rankings despite losing a friendly to England, who climbed two places to No.5.

Netherlands remains second but third-placed Germany narrowed the gap after winning 3-0 in a friendly between the sides.

South American champion Uruguay remains at No. 4 but closed on the top three after beating Chile and No.9 Italy to remain unbeaten in 13 matches.

Brazil fell one place to No. 6.

Portugal and Croatia won 2012 European Championship playoffs and rise to seventh and eighth respectively.

Japan, ranked 19th, is the best-placed Asian team while Ivory Coast leads the African teams at No.16.

Australia booked its spot in the next stage of qualifying with a win over Thailand in Bangkok last week, meaning the final group match only has meaning for the Saudis, who need to win to guarantee progress.

Osieck is adamant, however, he will always select his best XI, regardless of the circumstances.

"I definitely won't approach this game as an experiment," he said. "We are in the process of getting the group together and there won't be too many changes.

"I'm pretty happy that I can count on experienced and well-tested players and they will definitely be the core group of our team for the games.

"Of course I will always open the doors for talented boys but you know it's a fine line if they are labelled too fast as rising stars and compared to big names. I am handling that with care, because it's an educational process as well for those guys and if you push them forward too fast then it could be detrimental."

While Osieck has been prepared to try untested players during his tenure, he believes he already has the basis of a strong squad to take to Brazil 2014.

"There is definitely a core group who are experienced and tested players but there is also an opportunity for the younger guys," he said.

That leaves Archie Thompson, who was recently part of a training camp for fringe Socceroos, in an interesting spot, with the Melbourne Victory fan favourite pressing for national selection again after an impressive run of form in the A-League.

It appears the 33-year-old would appear to not fit the mould of an emerging player, but Osieck also said that he wasn't interested in birth certificates, only performances.

"I know that Archie brings a lot of quality to the team, and I always keep saying it's not a matter of age, it's a more a matter of maturity and experience and he brings everything that is needed to play at that level ," Osieck said.

Thompson, who has had several false dawns in recent years in terms of his national prospects, remains determined to be a part of the Socceroos as long as possible.

"I feel if I keep performing and doing well then hopefully an opportunity will come but I need to be scoring goals and need to playing well because there is a hell of a lot of talent out there at the moment, especially young talent," he said.

"If opportunities come my way I need to take them because I am getting to an age where these opportunities won't come around very often."

His club-mate Harry Kewell, who is a month older than Thompson, is also acutely aware of the need to make the most of his chances when selected for the Socceroos.

Kewell, who injured a hamstring when playing against Oman on November 15, said he wanted every chance possible to prove to Osieck he can play on until the 2014 World Cup.

"I think the important thing is playing well for your club," he said. "If you play well for your club then you get the privilege of playing for your country.

"If you are not performing well, there's question marks about whether you are selected."

Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced on Tuesday the Socceroos would play the Saudis on 29 February.

FFA boss Ben Buckley said the Socceroos' first appearance at AAMI Park would be a celebration for all members of the football family - from the grassroots to the A-League.

"This match will be a first for the Qantas Socceroos at a purpose-built stadium that captures a European-style football atmosphere," Buckley said.

After a frustrating season watching from the wings while the first choice defensive pairing of captain Yasuyuki Konno and rising star Masato Morishige have excelled, North – who has made just four appearances – didn’t put a foot wrong when called in to replace Konno in the club’s last two league games.

Both were wins – against Shonan Bellmare and Mito Hollyhock - with just a single goal conceded and former Newcastle Jets skipper North – who has fallen in love with Japan after career stopovers in Korea, Norway and New Zealand – is desperate to stay at a club six points clear atop the ladder with three games remaining.

“It looks we’re going straight back up as champions and this club belongs at the top level ... the professionalism here is superb – the best I have seen anywhere in my career,” North told The World Game.

“I would love to stay. Even though I haven’t been playing anywhere as much as I would have liked I did well in those two games which were crucial in our promotion drive and the feedback from the coaches and the players has been good. I was also really pleased with how I went.

“Tokyo will definitely be my first priority if they are interested. This is by far best club I’ve been at ... whatever has come before (Jets, Perth Glory, Incheon United, Tromso and Wellington Phoenix) don’t even come close.”

North, whose one-year deal expires in February, is also hoping to garner more game time in both the league and the Emperor’s Cup with FC Tokyo, which faces Gainare Tottori on Saturday night in a bid to clinch the second tier championship, beating Vissel Kobe midweek to stay alive in the knock-out competition.

North was out of the side for that one and with Konno back from international duty with Japan, he could quickly find himself back in the shadows again.

“That’s always going to be an issue right now because the boys ahead of me have been part of a winning team and are both heavily involved with the national setup,” he added.

"The year before the club was relegated they finished in the top five of the J1 League. Around 80 per cent of the squad have Japanese caps ... and that says it all really. I wish I had come here (Japan) earlier in my career and the thought of perhaps playing in the J-League top division next year would be incredible.

“Even the way the club plays ... everything is on the deck and playing out from the back. They play the game the right way. People don’t realise how technical it is here, even in the second division.”

While the centre-back is reluctant to talk about his next career step, his manager Buddy Farah was more forthcoming on the 34-times capped Socceroos international, saying: “There are a couple of nibbles for Jade ... but he has until February or March to find something in Asia. He has definite chance of staying with Tokyo, we have a meeting with the club in the next few days and there are also possibilities in France.

“But my feeling is he will be at Tokyo again next year or another Japanese club. Australia isn’t really an option he wants to pursue right now.

“The season has been hard in the fact that the two boys in front of him have done a stellar job in a winning team. He’s been plugging along but has gone to another level as a player just being in that environment.”

The Socceroos could only defeat Thailand 1-0 in Bangkok on Tuesday after their 1-0 loss to Oman last weekend but the three points were enough to secure progress to the final stage of qualification.

And Emerton says the focus must now be on improving performance in the final match of the current stage, a dead rubber against Saudi Arabia in Australia in February.

"Everyone will admit we weren't at our best," Emerton said of the Oman and Thailand matches.

"It's always difficult to go away from home and play in tough conditions, the humidity, and against two teams that are a lot better than people give them credit for.

"We got the result we needed, job done, we're in the next phase and now we'll look at both games, the negatives and positives, and try and improve on our performances."

The 32-year-old, who earned his 91st cap in Bangkok, also believes the Saudi match could be a chance for his highly-rated club-mate Terry Antonis to make his international bow.

Antonis has impressed for Sydney FC this A-League season and Emerton says the 17-year-old has shown all the attributes needed to become a top player.

"He's got all the ability in the world so, if he applies himself, which I'm sure he will because he's a good kid and he works hard ... think he'll go a long way," Emerton said.

"It's difficult to say (about Antonis's international chances).

"Obviously that's not much decision to make but he's had a great start to the season and, come February, the next qualifier, it's a dead rubber and if he continues in this form then it's a possibility."

Even as a 15-year-old finding his feet on the opposite side of the world, the Australian played with an eye-catching physicality despite his small frame.

Watching him for the first time in an under-16 match at Derby County, the then academy coach knew "there was something about him".

"He was a little dot," Cowans told AAP. "The biggest thing, even at that age, was his heart. Very brave.

"He got stuck into people a foot taller than him on the pitch and three stone heavier. It did not bother him one little bit.

"You could see he had ability but he had that personality and mentality. He is a winner."

Seven years after leaving Perth, Herd is living his childhood dream as one of only three Australians enjoying regular action in the English Premier League (EPL).

The other two are Australia's most-capped international Mark Schwarzer, 39, (Fulham) and arguably one of the greatest Socceroos in Tim Cahill (Everton) who turns 32 next month.

Mention his name alongside such illustrious figures and the 173cm midfielder's cheeks turn a touch of crimson.

David Beckham might have been his hero and Manchester United his team growing up but he points to Cahill as the role model for every aspiring Australian football player.

Herd, though, is earning attention in his own right this season.

After years of being farmed out to lower league teams and waiting his turn, the West Australian's display at right-back against Wolves in August made plenty take notice.

Suddenly, there was a tug of war for his international services.

His parents are both Scottish, his father Willie a former professional in his homeland.

There was even a phone call from Scotland expressing its interest.

Herd said there was never a chance of him turning his back on Australia.

He was called up to Holger Osieck's Socceroos squad for the first time for Australia's World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Thailand this month only to have a niggling ankle injury prevent him making the trip.

No sooner had Herd produced his man of the match EPL performance than Alan Hutton moved from Tottenham to fill Aston Villa's right-back position.

But Herd had shown enough to earn another crack and has started to carve out a place in the Villa lineup as an energetic defensive midfielder.

Not that it has all gone to script.

In his first start in midfield last month, he was controversially red-carded for stamping on West Bromwich Albion's Jonas Olsson in the first half of a 2-1 home loss.

There seemed no reason for the card and Herd feared the bad call could damage his career.

"Straight away you are thinking that," he said.

"It can affect your career massively.

"It was a big blow, I was devastated at the time and when I saw it again. I thought it was going to be rescinded and everything turned out OK."

His shift to midfield may end up being a blessing in the short term, for him and the national team.

Luke Wilkshire, at right-back, is one of the first players picked for Australia and as difficult to unseat as any of the Socceroos.

But the centre of midfield is a little different.

Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri and Neil Kilkenny have all shared time in the midfield but if Herd continues to impress in the EPL, surely an international debut is only a matter of time.

Herd admitted it was hard not to think about being part of Australia's World Cup qualifying campaign and Brazil in 2014.

"But the first thing in my mind is to keep on playing at Villa because that will give me my chance to give the Australian gaffer a headache," he said.

His club meets Tottenham on Monday night at White Hart Lane.

Herd has signed on at Villa until 2014, his combination of athleticism and discipline winning over new manager Alex McLeish.

Cowans, who won the European Cup and English first division title during his playing days at the Birmingham club, thought that Herd had all the attributes for a decade-long career in the world's toughest league.

"He is good on the ball and is a very good defender. He gets very tight to people and he intimidates them," the Villa first team coach said.

"He can also play centre half because although he is not that tall, his leap is unbelievable and his timing and (he has) great technique at heading the ball.

"He is fairly quiet as a person and very polite but he has the other side to him where he can turn and he can look after himself."

His mild-mannered nature off the pitch should not be mistaken for any lack of belief.

Only two months ago, he had a large tattoo inked across his chest quoting 1950s Hollywood actor James Dean.

"It says 'Dream as if you are going to live forever. Live as if you will die today'," he said.

"I just like it.

"I have got a great opportunity and I want to make the most of it."

Fortunately for Australian football, Herd is far from a rebel. He also has a cause.

Ognenovski’s incumbency alongside skipper Lucas Neill at the heart of the Australia defence has been challenged with Matt Spiranovic – nine years his junior – starting in five of the last seven internationals ahead of the Seongnam Ilwha defender.

That run includes the last two World Cup qualifiers – the 1-0 loss to Oman in Muscat and the 1-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok.

Ognenovski is of the view that experimentation will give way to the tried and tested when the pressure increases in the next round.

“It looks to me as though Holger is experimenting now and giving some of the less experienced player game time to see what they are capable of and to bed them into the system for the future,” Ognenovski said.

“Hopefully next year, when there is even less of a margin for error, he will lean a little more on experience he has at his disposal at the back. That’s how I see it, but we will have to wait and see what he does.

“I believe I will be back in the picture sooner rather than later but that’s the coach’s call. I have been very patient in my career and if I have wait a couple more matches for a chance again, then so be it.”

Ognenovski announced his presence on the international stage at the 2011Asian Cup in January, where he started every match as Australia surged to the final and built a formidable pairing with Neill along the way.

But he has stalled on 12 caps with Spiranovic’s sudden ascension.

There have been whispers that comments from Ognenovski following the loss to Oman, in which he implored Osieck to ditch his rotation policy and make a definitive decision on who to start alongside Neill, may have cost him a recall against Thailand.

But Ognenovski doubts it, adding: “I was just being open and honest. That’s the way I’ve been my whole career and it’s the way I am when asked a question.

“I don’t think the comments hurt me. I was just trying to make the point that it’s probably better for defensive stability and continuity if there are not too many changes in that area for game to game.

“It was really about making it easier for Lucas, who probably wouldn’t have found having a different partner from game to game easy to adapt to. He needs to have that understanding going with whoever he’s playing with, whether it’s me, Matt or anybody else.

“I had that partnership going well with him but things do change in football and you can never really be critical of the decisions a coach makes.

“I don’t think I said anything wrong and I am not too fussed about it. Holger hasn’t said anything to me and, like I said, I believe I will be back before too long.”

With its passage to the next round secure, Australia’s final group game against Saudi Arabia is a chance for Osieck to experiment with his lineup and Ogneneovski hasn't ruled out playing in the match: “Of course I’ll put my hand up if called upon.”

The former Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United centre-back, who is still seeking a possible January transfer window move to Europe, will return to Australia for a six-week break before linking up with Seongnam for pre-season training.

Socceroos defender Sasa Ognenovski won the top gong last year, but wasn't considered good enough to earn nomination this time.

Meanwhile, Asian champion Japan had Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda nominated.

The other contenders are Iranian defender Hadi Aghily, former winner Server Djeparov from Uzbekistan, Asian Cup top scorer Koo Ja-Cheol from South Korea and his countryman Yeom Ki-Hun.

Honda was named the most valuable player at the Asian Cup in Doha in January.

All three candidates for women's player of the year are Japanese after the country's World Cup success this year.

Homare Sawa won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the tournament in Germany, while goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori and Aya Miyama have also been shortlisted.

The AFC awards will be presented at a ceremony next week in Kuala Lumpur.

Here is his post-game report on Australia's World Cup qualifier against Thailand

We’ve already been unwinding nicely, enjoying some cocktails poolside on the rooftop of a Bangkok hotel with the city lights. A balmy, warm night of restrained celebrations is reward for the Socceroos’ loyal band of followers.

The 1-0 win over Thailand wasn’t ‘pretty’, but a job well-done to secure top of the group and entry to the final stage that will provide more exciting football, challenges and opportunities. With results and final positions in other groups gradually unfolding, a new set of unique travel experience possibilities beckon for the players, staff and fans.

Match day had been somewhat low key for most travelling fans from Australia, although things fired up in the hour or so before the 6pm kick-off in warm and humid conditions. Scenes outside the Supachalasai National Stadium were of vibrancy, colour, cultural expression and good humored exchanges between supporters of the two teams.

The stadium layout and surrounds contribute to creating an intimate setting and conditions for fans. In so many ways, the switch of venues had been a big plus and most locals seem to have far more affection here than for the much larger Rajamangala Stadium.

The defeat by Oman had motivated the Socceroos to stamp their standing as Asia’s second-highest ranked team, or so we hoped

Although not quite a full house, a very vocal crowd of somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 (there’s still confusion from officials about the stadium capacity) provided an intense, though not intimidating atmosphere.

In the designated away section, the “Green and Gold Army” core support with banners displayed prominently were warming up to lead the hundreds of Aussie fans with an array of familiar songs and chants of support.

From the game’s onset, Australia was not allowed to get into a pattern of fluency in midfield let alone the final third. Much focus for our push forward was to feed somewhat predictably high crosses for Kennedy to apply his aerial strengths.

With the Thais looking very sharp and dangerous on the counter, there were several nervous moments through our defensive lapses. However, other than one missed opportunity in the in the 35th minute by Suree Sukha when one-on-one with Mark Schwarzer, the Socceroos keeper was hardly troubled.

In the second half, the Socceroos increasingly dominated possession, looked much sharper in midfield and built some momentum. With Brett Emerton looking more dangerous in forward positions down the right flank, it was no surprise that a goal came in the 76th minute. A well-weighted cross found an unmarked Brett Holman, whose well positioned and timed header found the corner of the goal.

Cue the pro-Holman chants: “There’s only one Brett Holman, one Brett Holman…” (How times have changed!). He’s a player who backed himself, improved his game even further and is now consistently a big factor in success for the Australian national team.

From this point on, I sensed that the three points would be ours, especially as the Thai team appeared to run out of steam and not force a cohesive or convincing counter.

The final whistle and we launched an outpouring of joy combined with great relief after another tense and difficult assignment.

The football travel adventure of the past week covering two vastly different regions had become all the more worthwhile and rewarding. Ritual acknowledgement for our support by players’ salutes included a number of Socceroos’ contributing all manner of attire and kit including boots, shirts and gloves. Mike Rumbold from Melbourne was jubilant that: “I finally got a player memento” after being a loyal supporter at so many away games over a decade or so.

Luke Ritter (on this trip with girlfriend Ellie) from Melbourne wasn’t too impressed with the performance: “after travelling all the way to Oman and seeing all that rubbish it was good to see a win”. On travelling overseas with us to support the Socceroos, Luke added: “if you get the chance, do it”.

Paul Dixon from Canberra told me: “it was a bit of a disappointing performance but I guess the guys ground out the result and in the long run that’s all that matters”. Paul rates Jordan and Iran as the best potential away trips in the next phase of qualifying.

Special mention too goes to Heather Kayatz as an elder stateswoman of the supporters’ network. Despite serious health challenges in recent times, she managed to participate fully in the past week’s travels. A jubilant Heather said: “my cup runneth over” after the victory and in the aftermath.

Post match, Australia’s right-back Luke Wilkshire told me: “it was a tough game, we knew it was going to be; the pitch was difficult and very sticky”. “It’s going to be very challenging and only going to get tougher. The prize at the end is massive for us, and we’re going to look to improve and we need to improve”.

Brett Holman said the dressing room was very happy and revealed he had started the game with a sore ankle. “I was lucky to get through game and happy to come out unscathed,” he said. Brett paid acknowledgement to the “fantastic and great following of the green and gold fans”.

Mile Jedinak spoke of the tough conditions including the heat, and the state of the pitch. “As professionals you have to adjust, come to terms with that and deal with it,” he said.

So now another epic away trip double-header has almost concluded. In both Oman and now Thailand, the hospitality, support and generosity from our hosts and their citizens have been life affirming. All travelling fans have tried to good ambassadors for Australia even in the context of intensely competitive football. The power of football is to connect cultures.

It will be intriguing to see how Holger approaches the final group game on 29 February in Melbourne. Will he use this as an opportunity to give more ‘fringe’ players some important game time and experience? Alternatively, it could be a full strength first choice starting line to keep up the winning mentality.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing how the extended playing pool for the Socceroos perform and even improve over coming months with their respective clubs across Europe, Asia and Australia. Also, the performance of squad members like Mitch Nichols, who will have commitments with the Olyroos in their critical qualification process until at least March.

One thing is certain, although Australia is a step closer to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil there is another long, challenging and testing road ahead. Of course, we’ll be with the Socceroos all the way, providing the best unconditional support we can. Get on board and join us for another exciting journey.

Australia's hard-fought 1-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok on Tuesday ensured a place among 10 Asian teams that will fight it out for up to five Brazil World Cup spots in a year-long battle starting in June.

It means the final Group D game against Saudi Arabia is a dead rubber from Australia's point of view, but coach Holger Osieck has no plans to use it as a chance to trial a second-string squad.

Instead Osieck vowed to field his best possible team, in what could prove a valuable hit-out for a side in need of vast improvement after an unconvincing win against Thailand, coming off the back of the loss to Oman.

"We (will) play with the best team that we have available, that's for sure," Osieck said of the 29 February match, to be played at a yet-to-be-determined venue.

"Particularly at home, we play in front of our own crowd and we definitely have to win that game.

"We are obliged to our fans and we have to perform well at home in particular.

"It's an international date and the clubs have to release the players so we will be inviting the European-based guys."

Although the match is meaningless from a qualification point of view, Osieck's stance hardly comes as a surprise.

The conservative German coach has rarely wavered from his philosophy of picking the strongest squad at his disposal since his appointment in August last year.

And given Osieck's reputation for picking on form over reputation, captain Lucas Neill says choosing club over country could prove costly for players.

"The way competition for places is now, if you don't take your chance when you get it, you might not play the next one, so everyone wants to be in the manager's head," the Al Jazeera defender said.

"... I'll come back (to Australia) if picked for sure."

Osieck will be without European-based Luke Wilkshire and Matt McKay against the Saudis, after both picked up yellow cards against Thailand, possibly allowing him to blend a handful of new faces into a largely familiar-looking squad.

Socceroos players admitted the win over Thailand was not entirely convincing, as Brett Holman's 77th-minute winner came against the run of play against the impressive host.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said the side needed to improve but knows all too well the value of being able to grind out a result in tough Asian conditions.

"You're always working towards that. You're always trying to better yourself in each game," Schwarzer said.

"However, a lot of times in these qualifiers, it's about getting results and getting the points on the board.

"We've done that now and we're through to the next round and with a game to spare and we want to win that game as well."

Saudi Arabia and Oman played out a scoreless draw in Tuesday's other Group D game, leaving all three other teams with some hope of progressing alongside Australia.

The Socceroos produced their worst performance since coach Holger Osieck took over in 2010 in earning a hardly deserved ticket to the next and final phase of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Australia booked its passage for the next phase after an unconvincing 1-0 victory over gallant Thailand, who for the second time in 11 weeks played as well as the Socceroos but ended up empty-handed.

The Australian team has now produced three disappointing games in this stage of qualifying, leaving many fans wondering what has happened to the free-flowing attacking football seen in the 2011 Asian Cup and in matches against Germany and Wales.

Confidence has turned into apprehension, positivity has been taken over by caution and the team's smoothness has suddenly degenerated into slackness and disjointedness.

So where and why did it all go wrong?

Many pundits are pointing their fingers at defensive midfielders Carl Valeri and Mile Jedinak.

The problem with these two Europe-based players is that they are too similar in their playing style although Valeri is more athletic and Jedinak is a better passer.

Does the team need two holding midfielders, anyway?

It is becoming pretty clear that Australia's main problems lie in central midfield, where the men in the middle are losing the ball too many times, they are fouling too much and when they do pass the ball it generally goes sideways or backwards rather than forward.

It is probably unfair to single out the Valeri-Jedinak combination when the whole team was so erratic and disorganised, especially in the first hour of the match.

Osieck would not have been pleased, for example, with the ease with which the Thais continuously bypassed his midfield set-up and got behind left back Michael Zullo in the first half.

The German mentor also would have been frustrated with his players' failure to get going and pose any threat to the Thai goal.

Even Brett Holman's decisive header, which was Australia's first serious scoring chance in the game, should have been saved by goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool.

But then again the job was done so there are no real grounds for complaints.

Yet the two away games of the last few days have shown Osieck that he has plenty of work to do in this very important part of the field if the Australian team is to leave its mark against better teams in the last phase of qualifying.

Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Oman, remember, are ranked well below the Australians who cannot expect such largesse when they face strong teams like Iran, Iraq or Korea Republic.

The final phase of qualifying starting next June will comprise two round-robin groups of five with Asia's highest ranked nations Australia and Japan kept apart.

Needing only a point to seal progression to the final round of Asian qualifying, starting in June, Australia had to soak up some heavy pressure at Supachalasai Stadium before Holman's 76th minute header put the outcome beyond doubt.

The result means Holger Osieck's side heads into its final Group D qualifier at home against Saudi Arabia in February knowing the job is already done, possibly allowing the German coach to experiment with his squad.

Despite talk of being determined to atone for Friday's shock 1-0 loss to Oman in Muscat, the Socceroos were far from convincing on a humid Bangkok evening.

But the ever-improving Holman again proved his worth with his second goal in three international matches.

The AZ Alkmaar striker found Brett Emerton out wide and the Sydney FC winger sent in a fine cross before Holman steered a header into the back of the net.

Emerton was one of two changes to the starting side from the loss in Oman, with Michael Zullo also coming in as injured Harry Kewell and Rhys Williams made way.

Despite beginning with a familiar-looking team Australia looked disjointed and struggled to control possession for much of the first half.

They were lucky to go into the break level, with the only genuine chance of the half falling to the host.

Impressive midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao pulled all the strings for Thailand, producing an exquisite through ball in the 35th minute only for Suree Sukha to blast over the bar from close range.

Australia's left side, particularly Zullo, was bombarded by the lively Thais while the Socceroos were restricted to only two efforts on goal for the half.

Both fell to the head of in-form striker Josh Kennedy but neither attempt troubled Thailand goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool.

The Thais continued to threaten early in the second half and tension was building until Holman intervened.

Thailand's best chance to equalise fell to substitute Sarawut Masuk but he couldn't keep a close-range shot down.

Australia moved to 12 points in Group D, ensuring it will top the section.

Midfielder Matt McKay will be ineligible to face Saudi Arabia after picking up a second-half yellow card.

He insisted all his focus was on securing the point the Socceroos need to ensure progress in their World Cup qualification campaign when they meet Thailand.

Kewell was withdrawn shortly after half-time in Australia's 1-0 defeat to Oman in Muscat and has left the squad to return home for treatment with new club side, Melbourne Victory.

The former Liverpool and Galatasaray winger cut a dejected figure when he was taken off, prompting talk of a rift with Osieck but the German is adamant that is not the case, nor his primary concern.

''He's got a muscle strain, so in consultation with the medical group we decided to give him the opportunity to go home to get individual treatment, that's the background,'' Osieck said.

''I'm not a doctor, but according to our medical people it was serious enough to not make him available for this game."

When asked about Kewell's long-term future, Osieck added to the Sydney Morning Herald: "We are focusing on our game on Tuesday, I'm not talking about his career.

"Harry is still a good player. He is still one of the top players in Australia, so that is a question at the wrong moment ... he definitely figures in my plans.''

Australia had to come from behind to edge the Thais in Brisbane in September and Osieck accepts it will be a tough Group D clash in Bangkok.

''They gave us a tough time in our home game, so we have to make some adjustments to the way we are playing,'' Osieck said.

''But this is not a situation to go for an experiment, we still need points. So we go for the points, it's a fact.''

A draw for the Socceroos will see them advance to the final stage of Asian qualification starting in June next year.

The same scenario confronts Iraq, which travels to Jordan hoping to emerge from Group A.

Jordan's home defeat of Singapore confirmed its progression, joining Japan and Uzbekistan in making it through to the fourth round in quick time.

Korea Republic and Qatar can join them with wins.

Korea Republic goes to Lebanon in Group B with coach Cho Kwang-rae considering dropping striker Ji Dong-won.

The Sunderland man was hauled off at half-time against the United Arab Emirates, late goals from Lee Keun-Ho and Park Chu-Young handing the visitor a 2-0 win.

"Ji's condition was really bad," said Cho.

"He was not good in training so I considered not to play him and he was worse in the match than I thought so I had to replace him at half-time. His balance is off and his shooting timing is slow. I think he's physically really poor now.

"I don't know if he can be better until we play against Lebanon."

Qatar hosts Middle Eastern neighbour Bahrain looking to build on its 4-0 thrashing of Indonesia.

Here is his pre-game report for Australia's World Cup qualifier against Thailand

The most important first message is my admiration for the way in which Thais have withstood the devastating floods that still threaten the nation. Their resilience is almost on par with that shown by our Japanese friends following their tsunami disaster.

Both nations have become our keen rivals in football, yet we are bonded with them as part of the Asian Football Confederation family and links well beyond.

Although the flood waters continue to inundate wide areas of Thailand, in central Bangkok there is almost an eerie ‘business as usual’ approach by the local community, and so far the mitigation measures have largely prevailed.

The measures are extraordinary to ensure life and daily activities can continue.

For example, just metres away from where the Socceroos were training was a volunteer operation to build and distribute rafts. Made from freshly cut bamboo and recycled plastic bottles, the goal is produce 10,000 craft!

With this sort of determination and national resolve, we should not then underestimate a Thai football team aiming to get their World Cup qualification dreams back on track.

At Monday’s media conference at the Socceroos team hotel, captain Lucas Neill and coach Holger Osiek both acknowledged the importance of a big turn-out of Australian fans at the game.

According to Holger, it is “very nice to have vocal crowd behind you”, while Lucas added that it “makes you proud that there are proud people cheering you on... it’s a good feeling”.

Neill revealed the “hurt after the (Oman) game” and emphasised determination to win against Thailand. He is not happy going for a draw and one point needed to get through, as “you always play to win, that’s the philosophy of the manager and the players. We respect our opponents but we’re determined we are going to beat them."

Osieck stressed, “We have a very difficult game tomorrow.” And despite speculation, he reassured fans that the team had "no injury problems, everything is ok (with Williams and Emerton)”.

Within the broader context, Neill made a special point. “In the face of the disaster, they (the Thais) are always smiling and pleased to see us, very warm and very welcoming... and we thank them for their hospitality”.

Fortunately the wet season has now ended in central and northern Thailand, sunny skies prevail and the heat and humidity has eased. Kick off at 6pm local time is expected to be in fine conditions and about 27-28 degrees.

The Monday afternoon final session training was held at Thephassadin Stadium, adjacent to the Suphachalasai National Stadium. Part of a vibrant inner suburban community sporting and open space complex, it drew the attention of many excited locals and attended by over 30 invited staff and family members from the Australian embassy.

Clearly, Mark Schwarzer drew the greatest attention and he responded obligingly for photographs with numerous eager Thai admirers.

Close by the next generation of aspiring footballers practised their skills in small-sided games, and wasn’t there some football talent amongst the kids.

In another area, “Sepak takraw” (a form of football tennis) was being played by the ‘oldies’. By all measures Thailand is yet another football crazy nation.

Not much could be gauged from the workouts and drills, although all 22 squad members (with Harry Kewell back in Melbourne) trained freely. Access to training was again cut short to allow a closed doors end to the session.

On match eve I once again tried to gauge the expectations and opinions of both local Thais and visiting fans alike.

Ben Weekes, another who travelled from Sydney for this week’s Oman-Thai away double, had reflected on the last time Australia hit “rock bottom” in Thailand in the 2007 Asian Cup.

That time Australia struggled against Oman (1-1) then bounced back to beat Thailand 4-1.

“They will do the job (tomorrow) and ensure qualification for the next round, although it will not be easy as the Thais have also improved markedly. A 1-0 win will do!” Ben said.

Joompon Mangkang, associated with the Bec-Tero Sanana Football Club in Bangkok stated: “I think the score may be a draw, maybe 1-1, but Thailand will play powerfully because they must win. "The game is very difficult because Australia is very strong team in this group”.

His favourite player is Teeratep Winothai because he is “my friend and he is a superstar star in Thailand, and maybe scores if he plays”.

For the record, unlike some reports getting back to Australia, I’ve been informed by an official from the Thailand FA that the stadium capacity is about 35,000. While not clear it will be a capacity crowd, it will include hundreds of Australian supporters in their allotted Section W1.

Before the qualifier, there’s opportunity for me to further explore this diverse city including being fitted out for some very competitively priced tailor made suits, made from fine wool from Australia of course!

It’s another big contrast to the atmosphere, environment and culture of Oman and Muscat just a few days ago.

Although there is nervous anticipation, I’m confident the Socceroos can lift performance back to the high levels of football necessary.

Exchanged best wishes between fans of our two respective nations may be tempered or put on hold temporarily, as both seek the victory to meet their qualification goals.

Here’s to a good result to confirm Australia's progression to the next group stage, rather than leaving it to late February against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne and the obvious risks associated with the latter scenario.

During the day I’ll be joining the core fans group pre-game gathering, and once again sharing in the ritual walk to the stadium.

The sides meet at Bangkok's Supachalasai Stadium with the Socceroos looking to secure the single point needed to ensure progression to the final stage of Asian qualification starting in June next year.

Holger Osieck's side failed to get that point in a shock loss to Oman in Muscat on Friday and the German coach has demanded a return to the form which saw Australia open its 2014 campaign with three straight wins.

But Neill and Co. are not underestimating the challenge before them in flood-ravaged Bangkok, after Australia had to come from behind to beat the Thais 2-1 in Brisbane in September.

"(The feeling) was hurt after the (Oman) game and disappointment but now it's definitely more about a determination and a wanting to give a positive reaction," Neill said on Monday.

"We've addressed a number things since the game against Oman and now it's about putting the talking into action.

"We also have to put in a good performance because of the way we played against Thailand the last time, so we have no excuses, no surprises on how they are going to play."

While a point would be enough to assure Australia progression to the next phase, Neill said the Socceroos were aiming for nothing less than three points.

"We must win the game to get the job done," Neill said.

"... If you go into a game trying to draw then you are going in for the wrong reasons."

Australia sits atop Group D with nine points, with Saudi Arabia on five and Thailand and Oman another point back.

While the Socceroos are expected to finish the job in Bangkok, they head into the match knowing another loss could blow the group wide open heading into their final group match against Saudi Arabia in February.

While Osieck has tinkered slightly with his team in recent matches, a familiar-looking side will take the park on Tuesday.

Osieck has been forced into at least two changes, with Harry Kewell returning home to Australia with a hamstring complaint and Rhys Williams succumbing to a knee injury.

It means Michael Zullo is likely to come in at left back, with Luke Wilkshire dropping to right back and Matt McKay and Brett Emerton to operate on the left and right flanks respectively.

"It's not a situation to go for any experiments," Osieck said on Sunday, emphasising the need for an improved performance.

"I said it right after the (Oman) game and after the video analysis it was reinforced and we're going to play differently on Tuesday, that's for sure."

The match was moved from Bangkok's National Stadium due to the recent floods which have left more than 560 people dead and damaged millions of homes.

Neill described the Supachalasai Stadium pitch as a little bumpy but was in no mood to complain given the circumstances.

"We're not going to blame humidity or a pitch considering everything that's happened in Thailand in the last couple of weeks," Neill said.

"I think the facilities have been excellent as has the hospitality and the mood of the people."

Possible Socceroos line-up: Mark Schwarzer (gk), Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill (capt), Sasa Ognenovski, Michael Zullo, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Matt McKay, Brett Emerton, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy.

Listen to LIVE commentary of Thailand v Australia on SBS Radio and simulcast online from 10pm on Tuesday 15 November.

After a poor showing in the 1-0 loss to Oman at the weekend, many questioned Osieck's starting XI with Harry Kewell's selection resulting in positional switches for Brett Holman and Matt McKay.

However, it is the German's 'rotation' of Ognenovski and Matthew Spiranovic that has the Seongnam Ilwha wondering about his role in the squad.

"Probably closer to the game I will get some sort of indication," Ognenovski told The World Game on Sunday.

"At the moment I am concentrating and preparing as well as I can."

During the past six internationals, Spiranovic was granted a start in four with Ognenovski's two appearances splitting them.

After Kewell was released from camp to seek treatment in Melbourne for a hamstring complaint and Rhys Williams suffering an injured against Oman, Ognenovski is hoping Osieck makes at least three changes to his side for the Thailand game.

"That's a decision he has to make and the sooner he makes it the better for all involved," he said.

"We just have to wait and see what he does on Tuesday.

"I think myself and Lucas built a partnership throughout the Asian Cup and beyond that and then it's sort of been in and out.

"But that’s the coach’s decision. We can't sort of question that but it would be nice to know where everyone stands."

Luke Wilkshere is expected to revert to right-back in Williams's absence, with Brett Emerton likely to win back his right midfield spot against the Thais.

Needing a point to seal progress to the next phase of qualifiers, Australia is focused on the job at hand after its stumble in Muscat.

"It's going to be difficult. They are at home. They are well organised and have quality in their team. They’ve show us that so we have to be performing well to get a result," Wilkshire said or Thailand.

"We wanted to get through this group as quickly as possible and that was a disappointing performance and result for us and we have to set that right."

However, a conciliatory Williams – with 59 appearances under his belt for Boro since joining the club in 2008 – told The World Game: “While I am determined to play in the Premier League I want to make that happen with Middlesbrough. We are third at the moment and we’re going to be very close this season.

“Of course I’d love to play in the top flight, what player wouldn’t?

“But I am happy where I am and have never said that I want to go elsewhere ... I don’t know where all this has come from about Bolton and Liverpool. I don’ know anything about it.”

The rumour mill has been stoked in the UK by a supposed stalling of contract negotiations.

But Williams, 23, and his agent Gary Williams insist that discussions with Boro over a new deal are on-going and talks will ramp up again when he returns to England after fulfilling his international commitments for his country.

Bolton has had a long-standing interest in Williams – who is prized by Boro boss Tony Mowbray for his ability to operate at right back, central defence or anywhere across the midfield.

But Williams insisted: “My main aim is to do what I can for Boro. It’s a great club and I am really happy to be a part of the squad.

“I know there has been talk about Bolton being interested in the past, and while that’s complimentary, it’s not on my mind now at all.

“I’m enjoying my club football and also trying to cement a starting place for my country. That’s another challenge and I don’t want there to be any distractions.”

Team medical staff re-assessed the injury on arrival in Bangkok and coach Holger Osieck gave Kewell the opportunity to return to his club, Melbourne Victory, for treatment.

A statement released by Football Federation Australia gave no details of the injury.

Osieck is adamant a handful of days will be sufficient for the Socceroos to bounce back from its shock loss and pick up the point necessary to secure its place in the final Asian qualifying round.

"I realised what went wrong and we're going to work on that and the two training's will be sufficient for that," Osieck said in the post-match press conference.

"I will analyse it together with the team, but we didn't show the cohesion ... that we normally have and that was one of the reasons why we didn't play our game."

Here is his post-game report for Australia's World Cup qualifier against Oman.

Just when everything seems to be going to plan, football can deliver the most unpredictable results.

Despite the pre-game optimism and confidence of most Australian fans, a resurgent Oman side proved to be too good for the out of sorts Socceroos.

The wonderful Omani travel experiences of past days for travelling away fans had not culminated in the result that most had expected.

Match day build up to this crucial qualifier had for our supporters been enhanced by the return of a traditional pre-game meet-up at a local sports bar close by to the “Bausher”. The ritual walk to the stadium was somewhat low key. Upon arrival it became quite clear that home support was a modest turn out, despite free entry for fans of both nations.

A meagre crowd of perhaps only 4,000 included 450-500 in Section 27 for Australian fans. The temperature was 25-26 degrees with very little wind and clear skies and a good playing surface.

The front of the away section was a prominently displayed with a giant hand-painted banner: “OMAN WE’RE MISSING FUGGLES”. This paid a special tribute and message to a fellow legendary fan, Ray Fuggle. Famous for his signature umbrella hat, Ray couldn’t be at the game following the recent tragic sudden death of his son (vale Rhys). Such is the camaraderie between fellow supporters of the Socceroos that is bigger than even the game itself.

It was an unconvincing opening 15 minutes by the Socceroos; clearly they were not at the top of their game. Though shocked soon after by the well taken goal of Oman after a defensive lapse, most fellow fans seemed to believe this was perhaps at worst only a temporary setback. However, only Mark Schwarzer’s ever-reliable goal keeping prowess kept the deficit from being extended before half time.

Second half and the anticipated come back never came. The lack of team cohesion was reflected by the lack of clear cut goal scoring opportunities. Of course, none of this was helped by the time wasting antics of some Omani players.

The final whistle sent the increasingly vocal Omani supporters into raptures. A contrast to the disappointed Aussies, of whom there were a number of kids. The fine Omani hospitality was extended afterwards with many gracious words exchanged, within the context of their team's highly deserved victory.

At the post match media conference Holger Osiek acknowledged the lack of team cohesion. I recall after the Saudi game in September how Holger had already cautioned about any over confidence or early assumptions about Australia’s assumed progression to the next qualification stage.

Perhaps the biggest question is why was the starting line-up changed to drop Zullo and put McKay into left back position to allow Kewell a start? Clearly, this decision did not work and may have contributed to an unsettling affect in other areas of the park.

Central defender Matthew Spiranovic expressed his disappointment and frustration with the Socceroos' performance. Of the goal conceded, he said: “a few players out of position...and maybe a lack of communication”.

About his Japanese club the Urawa Reds “it’s been a tough season, but I’m definitely still enjoying Japan. There are three more games left in the season, and hopefully we can do well and stay in J-League one”. On any possible extension of his contract with the Urawa “it’s hard to say and I’ll be speaking with the club in the next few months”.

Mark Schwarzer described the crowd as: “brilliant, always great whenever we come to the Middle East. There’s always a big support from the Aussie expats and travelling fans.

"Unfortunately we didn’t them enough to cheer about, and we need to get things right for the next game.

“We need to make sure we recover as quickly as possible and really get back down to basics for the game against Thailand on Tuesday.”

For the Socceroos and coaching staff it will once again test their professionalism and resilience to regroup ready to overcome a talented Thailand side, even if the latter was last night convincingly beaten by a rejuvenated Saudia Arabia.

Despite the poor result, the return trip to Oman has been very worthwhile. Most fellow travellers from Australia agreed that this wonderful and diverse country has been near the very top of all football destinations and journeys. Thanks to the local people, their generosity of mind and spirit and willingness to help make out stay so welcoming and enjoyable.

For now, it’s get ready time for the six hour flight to Bangkok and another difficult assignment to secure that vital point to ensure the Socceroos progression for the next qualification stage. It’s there I’ll be sharing more experiences and perspectives on football, and much more.

The Socceroos played one of their worst games in recent memory and made the battling Omanis look like Barcelona.

Such was Australia's inability to dominate its opponent that in the end the only surprise to emerge from the Sultan Qaboos Stadium was that the 1-0 result was a true reflection of the run of play.

The Socceroos had more of the ball, especially in the second half, but they did precious little with it while the gallant Omanis looked more focused and dangerous with less possession.

So Holger Osieck's men should have no complaints about a result that will postpone their access to the next phase of qualifying.

As long as they pick themselves up from this shock defeat and beat Thailand in the next match at the Supachalasai Stadium in downtown Bangkok on Tuesday night.

But to do that Australia will have to play with better final balls and more penetration than it did in Muscat.

Australia worryingly created very few chances all night, one of which was a stinging shot from Rhys Williams on 56 minutes that was tipped over the bar by the alert Ali Al-Habsi.

However the Wigan Athletic goalkeeper did not have too much else to do all night, which should concern Socceroos fans.

These same problems of penetration appeared in the match against Oman in Sydney last month but two goals in the last quarter of the match gave Australia a 3-0 win that papered over the cracks in the side.

This time Oman was more resolute in its defending and fought gallantly until the final whistle to record its first victory over the Socceroos.

Osieck will have to go back to the drawing board and tinker with his formation for the match against Thailand.

The Thais are expected to provide his men with a stiff test after going so close to snatching a point in the match in Brisbane in September, before substitute Alex Brosque broke their hearts with a late, late goal in a 2-1 win.

A clear role on the field has to be found for Brett Holman and Harry Kewell, who both had a match to forget.

At the other end young defender Matthew Spiranovic looked nervous for most of the night and Osieck might opt for the more experienced Sasa Ognenovski to tangle with the tricky Thais.

The German coach might be forced to replace right-back Williams who suffered what looked like a serious knee injury in the second half.

It is more than likely that Brett Emerton will come in on the right side of midfield and Luke Wilkshire will slot into the full-back role.

Osieck said after the match that the Socceroos should not become despondent after this unexpected debacle.

Although Australia should not be losing to such "inferior" teams as Oman, he said.

The beauty of Asian football is that you can never take any team for granted and the quality of most of the teams is high enough to keep you on your toes.

That's exactly the reason Australia quit Oceania to join Asia … to give our game stronger and more meaningful opposition on a regular basis.

Australia has to be prepared to concede the odd defeat here and there so there is no need to push the panic button.

The all-round strength of the side is still intact because Australia has not become a bad team all of a sudden.

For this reason, this debacle in the desert will be seen as nothing more than a mere mishap on the road to Brazil.

A clinical 18th-minute strike from Amad Al Hosni kept Oman's qualification hopes alive and frustrated an Australian side lacking fluency and penetration.

The Socceroos had plenty of possession and territory and created several half chances, but rarely tested the home goalkeeper.

Oman showed plenty of defensive resolve to clinch its first win in five attempts against Australia.

The Socceroos remain top of their group heading into Tuesday's match against Thailand in Bangkok.

Australia coach Holger Osieck, who suffered just his third loss in 20 matches in charge, made two changes to the team that thumped Oman 3-0 in Sydney last month.

He recalled veterans Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer in place of Michael Zullo and Adam Federici.

Osieck pushed Kewell up alongside striker Josh Kennedy and moved the versatile Matt McKay to left-back.

Brett Holman had a potential 27th-minute equaliser wiped out by a close offside call and a second-half penalty shout for a challenge on Luke Wilkshire was rejected.

In the first half, the Oman goalkeeper comfortably saved a deflected shot from Holman and watched headers from Matthew Spiranovic and Mile Jedinak miss the target, all from set pieces.

Kewell was off the mark with two shots and Wilkshire with another.

The decisive goal came after Australia lost the ball deep in the Oman half.

Mohammed Al Makhaini delivered a through ball to Al Hosni who got in ahead of Rhys Williams and drove a fierce shot past Schwarzer from the edge of the penalty area.

The strike ended a 400-minute goal drought for the home team, boosting its confidence.

Dead ball exponent Hussain Al Hadri twice went close with quality free-kicks.

Veteran Brett Emerton replaced fullback Williams in the 74th minute.

Here is his pre-game report for Australia's World Cup qualifier against Oman.

It’s been another very humid, grey and showery past day in Muscat. Our Socceroos have just wrapped up their final training session at the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex.

Known affectionately as the “Bausher”, this open stadium features former a Soviet Union era style scoreboard and clock tower, and some fine Omani traditional touches.

Many parts of Oman, including Muscat, have recently experienced weeks of significant unseasonable heavy rains.

Despite the residual humidity, an early evening kick-off should provide almost ideal conditions for football and temperatures around 24 degrees. Indeed after the furnace of Dammam, it must a welcome relief for the Socceoros squad and fans alike!

Mood of the squad and coaching staff Thursday evening continued to be as expected; focused, sharp and yet at ease. The combination of highly experienced players with the successful introduction of exciting new talent has produced starting line-ups that have consistently delivered the goods over the past 12 months.

The final pre-game training session held in very damp conditions included great sharpness and intensity in drills including impressive sets of crisp passing and lay-offs based on rotation of positions and roles in two groups of nine-10 players.

There continues to be much doubt and speculation as to whether or not Holger Osieck will stick with the line-up that won so convincingly in Sydney last month. One thing that seems apparent is there are no apparent injury concerns right across the squad.

Josh Kennedy looks set to play as the main striker, with Brett Holman most likely to retain his role playing just behind in attack.

Harry Kewell may just have to be content with coming off the bench sometime in the second half, with Brett Emerton an outside chance to start the game. Legendary keeper Mark Schwarzer will make his return.

Unfortunately, a scheduled media conference to involve Holger Osiek did not go ahead after agreement could not be reached over a proposal by the AFC for a mid-evening starting time.

With Football Federation Australia (FFA) having secured free tickets through their Omani counterparts for Australian supporters, the allocation is set to exceed 500.

This wonderful collaboration through reciprocal arrangements followed FFA providing free tickets to all Omani fans at ANZ Stadium last month. FFA has also assisted by donating “My Football” flags for distribution to local kids at the game. On Friday a small yet robust and dedicated group of travelling fans associated with the “green and gold army” will join the many local expats and Aussies who have converged from the neighbouring Gulf States.

As with my previous two visits (June 2008 and November 2009), this relaxed and friendly country has once again provided fine Omani hospitality from people everywhere.

This land of rich and at times breathtaking diversity has over the past few days provided many delights and wonderful experiences for the intrepid visiting fans to relish.

These included fine cuisine, museums and many historic and prominent forts, meeting and entertaining the curious locals, and picking up bargains in the famous Mutrah Souq (market). The latter district features gifts of high quality local silverware, textiles, frankincense and Iranian saffron that is highly sought and regarded.

Some fellow fans, in groups who arrived earlier in week, have already been touring the scenery and settlements in regions well beyond Muscat.

Unlike the glitz of most of its other oil rich Gulf neighbours, Oman has kept its traditions largely in tact under the ever watchful presence, influence and direction of the Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, who deposed his tyrant father in the 1970 bloodless coup.

With a western university education at Sandhurst in the UK, Sultan Qaboos rapidly set about an agenda to radically overhaul and improve health care, education, equality for gender opportunity, and infrastructure development.

Strict height conditions of eight stories are applied and all new buildings must not be in conflict with the traditional architectural style.

While not a democracy in the narrower “western” sense, the Sultan has turned around the country. It appears that stability and lack of internal turmoil and unrest reflect a general contentment with his leadership and national progress.

The landscape includes over 1,600 kilometres of largely unspoilt coastline, which features many fine beaches and even surfing breaks. Mountains rise up to over 3,000 metres of the Jebel Shams, with even snow in winter.

There is the fertile Saiq Plateau that produces prized fruits, and hundreds of picturesque wadis providing precious water and habitat for wildlife. The inland deserts still support traditional Bedouin lifestyles (though 4WD vehicles often replace camels!), and abundant seafood is harvested from the northern Indian Ocean.

Oman was once a mighty empire that by the 19th Century had extended strategic control right down the African coast to Mombassa and Zanzibar, and as far north and west as parts of what are now India and Pakistan.

On Thursday evening, the views of visiting fans were sought about predicted outcomes for the game.

Luke Wimble who has travelled from Sydney, and has taken time off from his landscaping business, believes, “It will be close game and I predict a 1-1 draw”.

Rich from Melbourne boldly predicts a 3-0 win for the Socceroos with Kennedy to again be amongst the goals, and the Aussies set to catch Oman out as the host attacks to keep its slim qualification hopes alive.

For sure this band of dedicated fans will help encourage and lead the many expats in a range of popular chants and songs and colourful displays that have become a trademark wherever the Socceroos play. The quality of support will not be compromised.

Most locals sharing opinions believe that Australia will be too strong, although this will be another difficult game against an opponent that has to win.

Of course the incentive for Australia is that a win could, by night’s end, secure the guaranteed top spot of the group stage with two games to spare.

For me match day began with a waterfront walk along the wonderful corniche of Mutrah and via the local fish markets for lunch.

Just another fine example of the cultural delights that form part of the rich package of opportunities associated following our Socceroos on the road to Brazil 2014.

A pre-game meet up of Aussie supporters will take place at a local sports bar close to the match venue and the ritual walk to the stadium will be a precursor to hopefully another good result.

Until just after the match - ma’al salaama.

With Oman desperate for a win after picking up just one point from its three group games to date, veteran custodian Schwarzer is taking nothing for granted as the Socceroos arrived in Muscat a day before the game.

"They are always tricky at home," he told The World Game. "We know its going to be tough."

"It's already humid here, from what we are used to, but we’ve done it before and hopefully back up the first three games in the qualifiers."

Schwarzer will regain his spot between the sticks after a back injury ruled him out of last month's qualifying win against Oman.

"It's good to be back as its always tough when you miss games through injury," he said.

"So happy I’m back to full fitness and looking forward to the game. "I’ve always prided myself on playing as many games as possible but due to injury you can’t always do that.

"It gave Adam (Federici) an opportunity and he proved that he’s more than capable of playing at international level and did a good job."

Three wins from three has Australia poised to progress to the next phase of qualifying, and forward Alex Brosque is confident that the job can be completed with games to spare.

"Holger stressed to us that this squad should not take the field thinking anything other than a win is acceptable," he said.

"I think with the squad that’s here we should be good enough to get the three points and pretty much qualify."

"When you have guys like Kewell and Emmo coming back in it lifts everyone."

Holger Osieck's men can guarantee progression to the final phase of qualifiers, starting in June, with two games to spare if it can secure a fourth straight victory of the campaign in Muscat.

And it would appear a strong chance of doing so based on a 3-0 win over Oman in Sydney last month and the gulf nation's disappointing qualification campaign so far, earning only a point from its opening three matches.

But in-form attacker Brett Holman says the Socceroos expect to have everything thrown at them by a Paul Le Guen-coached Oman side that needs a win just to remain in the hunt for a first World Cup berth.

"They've still got a chance, a slight chance anyway, of still qualifying," Holman said.

"I think they're going to give everything and especially in front of their home crowd.

"Last time when we played them, it was still a difficult game, so we'll have to be on our toes, play to our strengths and take home the three points."

While Osieck has recalled A-League stars Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton to his squad, he must decide whether to bring them into the starting side or stick with the team that defeated Oman at ANZ Stadium.

Fit-again goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is one certain change while striker Josh Kennedy should be among the first names on Osieck's team sheet as he looks to continue a stunning run of form.

A goal against Oman was his eighth in six Socceroos games and his form has continued at club level, scoring in his past two games for Nagoya Grampus in Japan's J-League, where he is joint top-scorer with 17 goals.

"Josh, especially in the last few games, has been unbelievable," said Holman, who could again be paired with Kennedy up front.

"If you look at his goalscoring ratio, he's flying at the moment, his form with club and country.

"You read things on the internet and newspapers and he's always scoring goals and you see that he's so dangerous."

A win in Oman could also shore up first place in the group, potentially allowing Osieck the opportunity to experiment with his squad for the match against Thailand in Bangkok four days later and February's home clash with Saudi Arabia.

Brisbane Roar's Mitch Nichols, Dutch-based Adam Sarota and Turkey-based James Troisi are among the young players vying for game time against Oman and Thailand.

Probable Socceroos line-up against Oman: Mark Schwarzer (gk), Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill (capt), Matthew Spiranovic, Michael Zullo,Brett Emerton, Carl Valeri, Mile Jedinak, Matt McKay, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy.

Rasic was the first coach to lead an Australian team to a World Cup finals when he took it to West Germany in 1974.

And the 75-year-old mentor said he was thrilled by the fact that Osieck had brought the enjoyment back to the Socceroos team after his predecessor Pim Verbeek's bleak era.

"Holger is doing the opposite of whatever Verbeek did," Rasic said.

"He is playing his cards right and is very diplomatic.

"Apart from preaching a style of play which is entertaining, he has learnt that you can't run the local game down.

"He is promoting our league and showing that he is willing to give its best players a chance.

"He even picked Brisbane's Matthew Smith for his two-day camp last month and he's an Englishman and 29 years old."

Rasic said Osieck's biggest problem in the foreseeable future was finding somebody with the capacity to step into Tim Cahill's shoes.

"Cahill is an extraordinary player and the key man in the team, a man who is able to resolve any match on his own," he said.

"There are only a few midfielders like him in the world.

"I suspect that they are trying to groom Brett Holman for that position but he will never be as good as Cahill, who is very special.

"So I don't know who might be capable of stepping up when Cahill's time is up."

Rasic nonetheless said he could see a bright future for the Socceroos because Osieck is lucky to be managing a group of players who still regard playing representative football as the pinnacle of their achievement.

"We are a proud country with rich sporting traditions and we are also fortunate in that we have a group of Socceroos who are earning very good money abroad but who are also very proud to wear the green and gold of their country," he said.

The Socceroos aim to continue their winning start to their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in away clashes with Oman on Saturday (AEDT) and Thailand on Tuesday night.

Already nearly assured of reaching the next stage, Australia has three wins from as many group matches, including home victories over the same two opponents.

But Holman said there would be no easing off.

"We're almost there, but we're not there yet," the attacking player said at the Socceroos' training camp in Dubai.

"We'll go out and I think everybody expresses the same feeling, that we're going to go out every game that we play and try and go for the win.

"That's the type of team we are."

While tall striker Josh Kennedy has scored six goals in the Socceroos' four games since their qualifying campaign began - including two in a friendly against Malaysia - Holman has also been an improved and pivotal player.

He said Osieck's faith had been crucial.

"I'm the type of player who thrives on a coach that gives you a lot of confidence," Holman said.

"I think every player is in that similar boat. Holger's that type of coach.

"He likes to express his sort of (principles) about football, but also gives us a lot of freedom and says go out there and play your own games.

"He gives us the confidence to go out there and express ourselves."

The admiration is mutual. Osieck recently described Holman as "the complete player".

While the 27-year-old is starring for Dutch Eredivisie leader AZ Alkmaar, where he is in the final year of his contract, Osieck has said he should step up to the English Premier League or German Bundesliga.

Holman appreciated those comments, but said he would not think too deeply about his club future until January's transfer window.

"When you've got a year left of your contract, you always think in the back of your mind about what's going to happen, whether you're going to stay in the same country, whether you're going to move on and try something new, a different adventure," he said.

"When your coach says those kinds of things, it plays on your mind a little bit.

"But because we're doing so well at the moment and we're winning games and doing well in the Europa League, there's so many games that you don't even have time to sit down and think about it."

A few days after celebrating his first call up for his country, the Aston Villa utility sustained an injury-time ankle injury during Sunday morning’s 3-2 win over Norwich. The player underwent scans today, with a spokesman from Football Federation Australia confirming he has been ruled out.

Herd, who has excelled in a holding midfield role for Villa in recent weeks and was tipped for a possible debut for his country, had earlier told The World Game: “I picked up the knock very late in the game and I’ll be gutted if I have to miss out.

“The important thing is if I am playing well for my club, then hopefully chances will come for my country. I’m still only 22 and I like to think I have a little bit of time on my side.

“I was delighted to get the call-up – and I’ll know a lot more after the scan on whether or not I can join the squad.”

It seemed unlikely the Villa medical staff will sanction Herd making the eight-hour flight to Muscat where the Socceroos are preparing for the match against Oman on Sunday and the clash against Thailand in Bangkok four days later, if there are any lingering doubts over his fitness.

Herd’s Perth-based father Willie, a former professional with Falkirk and Partick Thistle, said: “It’s definitely a blow for Chris but it will be to his benefit that with the international break he has a couple of weeks to get fit again, assuming he does have to withdraw from the squad.

“He was just making a block tackle in the 92nd minute against Norwich but these things happen and I’m sure he will get another opportunity in due course.

“He’s just got his nose into the first team and the last thing he wants is an injury setting him back. Hopefully he will be okay again in a week or so.”

Herd, whose hero is Tim Cahill, was courted by Scotland before opting for Australia, the country of his birth.

Holman, 27, is Australia's most improved performer in the past 18 months and is a key player in a national team loaded with skill and experience.

The Bankstown boy, who plays his club football for Dutch league leader AZ Alkmaar, revealed that constant criticism of his performances for Australia never got him down because he never lost the belief and always knew he had the support of the people who mattered most: his peers.

Holman became an instant national hero when he scored a fabulous goal against Serbia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

It was a glorious strike and made thousands of fans in Australia realise that the much-maligned attacker was in fact a far better player than he was given credit for.

”I think I always had the recognition from my fellow players even before that goal against Serbia and that was important and that has not changed,” Holman said.

”I worked hard, kept my head down and never complained when I was a fringe player and hearing about all the stories from home.

”You always have the critics and it is normal that you want to try to prove them wrong and as long as I stay fit I will keep doing that."

Today marathon man Holman is an established player in the national team and he is expected to play a major role in its bid to qualify for a third straight World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

”You know how strange football can be: one day it's fantastic and another it's not a happy place,” he added.

Holman said that Osieck's positive approach to the game had much to do with his blistering form for his country, where he has clocked up 51 appearances, scoring seven goals.

Osieck is so taken by Holman's all-action, all-heart displays in the green and gold that he recently described him as a “complete footballer who should be playing in the Premier League or Bundesliga”, which is some compliment coming from such a demanding German mentor.

”Any compliment gives you a good feeling,” Holman said.

”I've always said that the best footballers play under coaches who give them the confidence to go out there and play good football.

”I feel very happy under Holger because he gives you the freedom to express yourself on the field when going forward.

”But on the other hand you have to show (tactical) discipline and try to do the right thing.

”You can try different things but not all the time. I mean, you can lose the ball once or even twice but you wouldn't want to do it a third time.”

Holman, whose contract with AZ expires at the end of the season, has been around long enough to know that you are only as good as your last performance and that performing at a high level is what matters.

”At this point in time with the Socceroos there is so much competition and if you look at each position you will find two good players – maybe three - fighting for that spot,” he explained, when asked if he now felt as a regular starter.

”I've always been the type to put his hand up and say 'I want to be in the first 11' but on the other hand I know that you have to work hard and perform.

”As long as I keep doing that I will be asking the question every game.”

Holman's selection for the World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Thailand was in doubt two weeks ago after he damaged his groin in an Eredivisie match against Ajax in Amsterdam.

But he made a quicker than expected recovery and in midweek he played for almost an hour in AZ's 2-2 draw at Austria Vienna in the UEFA Europe League.

He came through unscathed and he should make the starting line-up in the weekend league match against Den Haag before flying out to meet his Socceroos team-mates in camp in Dubai.

”The groin felt good, no pain. I pulled up okay apart from a bit of stiffness because I hadn't played for two weeks,” he said.

”I'm looking forward to the games in Muscat and Bangkok. It is always exciting and enjoyable to go into camp and see the boys again.

”I've got a couple of really good friends now and it is always enjoyable to catch up.”

Holman would be glad to know that he now can count on tens of thousands of new friends around Australia.

The Melbourne Victory recruit, who is on the threshold of his 55th cap after a seven-month hiatus from the national team, has been told to “show a lot more” for the national team than he has so far in four games for Victory by Osieck, who laid down the same gauntlet to Sydney FC capture Brett Emerton when he named his 23-man squad on Wednesday.

And a calm and conciliatory Kewell conceded that there is still a lot more to come from him - both for club and country - in considering Osieck's robust comments on himself and fellow marquee Emerton, neither of whom have yet dipped deeply into their bag of tricks and treats since joining the A-League amid rapturous fanfare and hyperbole.

"I'm delighted to be back for my country," said Kewell, who last featured for Australia in the shock 2-1 win over Germany in March - eight games ago.

"It's always been a massive thing for me during my career and nothing has changed. Before joining Melbourne Victory three weeks before the start of the A-league season, it’s well known that I had not been training with a team for a while.

"So like everything in life, the more you work the better you get ... that’s something I've strived to do for my entire career and nothing has changed.”

Kewell, who turned 33 in September, is unfazed by Osieck's announcement that neither he nor Emerton, who like Kewell has burned brightly in patches since returning to Australia with hometown club Sydney FC, are guaranteed starters in the clashes against Oman on November 12 in Muscat and the duel against the Thais in Bangkok four days later.

"The coach will pick his best team and it's up to all the players to come into camp (this weekend) and show the boss where they are at and what they can do. Nobody walks into the team ... you always have to earn your spot,” added the former Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray star.

"But I have belief in myself and while I’m really happy to have got another call, if I’m honest I know I can still perform at the top level, whether it’s for my club or for Australia.”

Kewell has his gaze firmly trained on Rio 2014, but is acutely aware it's an incremental journey.

"It's my intention to be there if I can be but really I'm just focusing on getting back to my best for my club and also for Australia and producing performances which will help us progress in what is a very long qualifying journey,” he added.

"I've had my critics down the years and you always expect that. I'm used to it by now. I like it when the microscope is on me ... I feel it brings out the best in me. Coming back to Australia is for me the biggest challenge of my football life and I don't intend to fail."