Emerton has faith in Socceroos old guard

Australia's qualifying campaign has been rocked by a 2-1 loss to lowly Jordan, leaving Holger Osieck's side facing an uphill battle to reach a third successive World Cup finals.

The team has come under heavy criticism for the loss in Amman, with many pointing the finger at Osieck for relying too heavily on the squad's veterans and not blooding enough youth.

But Emerton, who missed the match as he continues to recover from ankle surgery, expects experience in high-pressure situations to count for plenty in what he says are now must-win games for Australia.

"It's obviously a disappointing result and it makes things a little bit more difficult for us," Emerton said.

"But we've got a lot of experience within the squad and we'll regroup.

"... As a player you never like to be criticised for your performances but there's a lot of experienced players in the squad and they'll be hurting from the criticism but I don't think they'll let it affect their next performance.

"If anything, they'll use it to better their performances and make sure we prove those critics wrong and qualify for another World Cup."

With five matches to play in the final qualification phase, Emerton said every match for Australia was critical, starting with next month's away clash with Iraq.

The 33-year-old appears more likely to return to the national team next year given his lengthy injury layoff but said he was working to be ready for selection for the Iraq clash if called upon.

Emerton played 30 minutes in a pre-season draw with Newcastle Jets on the weekend and will get more game time under his belt against Brisbane Roar in Mackay on Sunday.

"I'd love the opportunity to pull on the green and gold again and represent Australia in October," Emerton said.

"Whether that will happen or not will be Holger's decision but I'll be doing everything I can to make sure it's a possibility."

Sydney opens its A-League season away to Wellington Phoenix on 6 October and confirmed on Thursday it would play its round four clash with Perth Glory at ANZ Stadium while regular home ground venue Allianz Stadium is being re-turfed.