Youth team unlikely for Socceroos friendly - Sydney Morning Herald

AAP

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck's history suggests he will be reluctant to yield to calls to go youth-heavy when he names his squad on Wednesday for next week's friendly against South Korea.

The November 14 fixture in Hwaseong comes more than four months before Australia's next World Cup qualifier, against Oman on March 27.

That has prompted commentators to call for Osieck to use the clash to find out which of the nation's youngsters are ready to step up and put pressure on the ageing stalwarts who have long carried the Socceroos.

Exciting Central Coast teenager Tomas Rogic, who starred in the Mariners' big win over Sydney FC on Saturday, is one staking a strong claim to be part of his first Socceroos squad.

Melbourne Heart left back Aziz Behich, Adelaide United striker Dario Vidosic, Brisbane Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu and the Western Sydney Wanderers' Aaron Mooy are among other prospective Socceroos impressing in the domestic competition.

Osieck's presence at several games in the just-completed A-League round will have buoyed their hopes.

Overseas-based youngsters such as Tommy Oar, Mitch Langerak, James Holland, Adam Sarota and Luke DeVere will also be in contention.

But Osieck's past friendly squads indicate he is unlikely to make a wholesale move away from his experienced core.

The match is on an official FIFA date, meaning club commitments won't stop top-tier Socceroos from playing.

The class of opponent will also be a factor.

At No.25 in the world, South Korea outrank Australia (No.34) and, unlike the Socceroos, currently sit top of their World Cup qualifying group.

A greater opportunity for Osieck to blood youngsters will be the qualifying tournament for next year's East Asian Championships in early December.

The Socceroos meet Hong Kong, North Korea, Guam and Taiwan in the space of nine days in Hong Kong.

None of the games are on FIFA dates, meaning the cream of the Socceroos won't be around.

And aside from North Korea (No.86), none of the opponents are ranked inside the world's top 150, meaning it shapes as an ideal stage to blood young players.