Neill stresses the need to win

Verbeek has been forced to select a squad with few of his first choice players for Wednesday’s match in Brisbane after the Asian Football Confederation failed to schedule many of its qualifiers on designated FIFA international dates.

But, speaking to The World Game from his home in Istanbul, Neill said the stand-ins could ensure Australia’s qualification for next year’s Asian Cup and put themselves in Verbeek’s spotlight for inclusion in the World Cup squad.

“I hope they win – they need to win,” said Neill.

“We can’t afford any mishaps. The Asian Cup is very important to Australia and this squad has to realise that.

“I am sure they will go out and give a good account of themselves. There is an opportunity for a few of them to go out and maybe sneak in the back door for the World Cup as well.

“The squad for the World Cup has not been picked yet. Someone may turn up in Brisbane and do very well. It would be a good opportunity to play well and be in the forefront of Pim Verbeek’s mind. The time has come.”

Australia needs a home draw against Indonesia to qualify for next January’s Asian Cup in Qatar.

A Socceroos team again mostly picked from A-League players drew 0-0 with Indonesia in Jakarta last year in the first of two qualifier meetings.

Dynamo Moscow midfielder Luke Wilkshire is the only European-based Socceroo available for this game as Russia’s new season is yet to kick-off.

“The European boys can’t fly in and then fly out again with any quality so we have passed the mantle on to the less experienced boys and a couple of others like Lukey Wilkshire,” said Neill, whose Galatasaray side blitzed Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa 4-1 on Sunday.

“I wish the boys the best of luck.”