Full house expected for Socceroos

Just over 17,500 fans attended Scotland's last home friendly hosted at Hampden, a 2-1 win over Denmark, whereas the upcoming match against Holger Osieck's side at the home of Hibernian is expected to be a 20,400 sell-out.

Wolverhampton centre-back Berra, 27, was born in Edinburgh and is looking forward to the prospect of picking up his 21st international cap in his hometown.

"Sometimes earlier in the season when friendlies are played at Hampden on a midweek night we don't always get a full house but I think you will if you take it around the country," he said.

"That is especially the case in Edinburgh. Obviously it is nice and easy for me because it's where I come from and I live five minutes from Easter Road and it will be a completely different environment and we are looking forward to it."

Scotland's last friendly ended in a 5-1 defeat to USA at the end of May but Berra is only focusing on using the upcoming game against the Socceroos as preparation for the World Cup qualifying campaign which starts in September.

He said: "I think it'll be a month before the big games start so I think everyone will be coming to impress and get into the starting line-up for the Serbia game.

"The boys will be going out there and giving their all. Not many will be match fit as the season hasn't started - especially for the English boys - but everyone will be not far off and we will be going out there to impress, put in a good performance and get the win to please the manager and the fans.

"They will all have good fitness, especially the Celtic boys. Everyone will be at a different level with their fitness but to get together as a squad with the big games coming in a month is a good thing."

The squad will be joined ahead of the game by captain Darren Fletcher.

The Manchester United midfielder's career was seemingly in the balance when boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed last month that the Scotland captain was yet to return to training following a long-standing chronic bowel complaint.

But Scotland manager Craig Levein confirmed earlier this week that Fletcher was back in training and would link up with the rest of the Scotland squad to continue his steady return to fitness.

Berra reckons the presence of the 28-year-old skipper will not only give the lift the player, but the entire Scotland squad as a whole.

"'Fletch' is a top boy and all the lads like him," he said. "He is a great captain and the manager has involved him and I'm sure he will be looking forward to meeting up with the boys and doing some training and looking forward to the game.

"I know he won't be involved but he has probably had a hard time not being able to train and being in Manchester, so getting out of there and being able to train with a different squad will give him a boost and everyone else a boost as well."

Scotland hosts Serbia on September 8 before welcoming Macedonia to Hampden Park three days later as it looks to qualify for its first major international tournament since France '98.