Luke cool on hat-trick talk

Having scored in November’s 2-1 win over Oman and then January’s 2-2 draw with Kuwait, the Dynamo Moscow midfielder is looming as a possible match-winner as Australia chase the point they need to clinch their place at the finals in Qatar in January.

One of just three overseas-based aces in Pim Verbeek’s master plan – Josh Kennedy and Mark Milligan are the others - for the visit of the out-of-contention Indonesians, Wilkshire, 28, knows that much responsibility will rest on his shoulders.

Despite the focus falling on the likes of himself and lone striker Kennedy, the Wollongong product remains reluctant to trumpet his growing significance to the team.

Emerging from his normal right back role for a more pivotal midfield presence on Wednesday in a holding role, Wilkshire played down the prospect of a third successive strike for his country.

"I love scoring like anybody else and the left-foot volley I got against Kuwait was something totally out of the ordinary for me," he said.

"The reality is though that I’d be quite happy not to score another goal for Australia for the rest of my career as long as we keep winning matches. That’s far more important to me."

On his journey from Middlesbrough to Bristol City via FC Twente to the roubles riches of Moscow, publicity shy Wilkshire remains typically reluctant to garner any kudos.

Having signed a lucrative three-year deal back in January, he added: "You work hard to make your way in the game and I'm probably a product of that mindset. The secret to it is just about having the desire to keep moving upwards, keep improving and take your opportunities when they come along.’’

Turned from bit-part player to leading man by Guus Hiddink at the 2006 World Cup, Wilkshire hasn’t looked back.

He is even jousting for the captaincy with Gold Coast United’s Jason Culina against Indonesia.

Not that the armband overly excites, or distracts, him.

Typically philosophical, he said: "I'm not worrying too much about it, I'm just concentrating in making sure I'm ready for the game. If it comes it would be a big bonus of course."

Not just capable of scoring goals, Wilkshire is renowned for his pinpoint crosses and penetrating runs down the flanks when deployed at right back.

Failing a goal, he will be happy to deliver an opportunity for giant hitman Josh Kennedy to exploit his height against an Indonesia defence who are stunted by comparison.

Wilkshire, whose season in Russia begins in mid-March, added: "Josh knows my strengths and I know his. We have a good understanding. He brings something different to the team, he’s got that ability in the air which nobody else in the squad has and I always know that if I get the ball into the right are he’ll be there."