If there's one way to overcome heartbreak it's to look on the bright side, right?

Well, in less than a month's time Australia will have probably its best chance for 'revenge' over the sickening 2022 World Cup host decision, and that's enough of a bright side for me to find some comfort.

However an unrelated, indirect form of justice it may be, there surely wouldn't be anything sweeter than to see the Socceroos match up against and defeat Qatar in their own country during the Asian Cup - other than meeting them in the World Cup itself of course.

For now, though, we will have to be content with watching our boys go in to bat for national pride - ironic considering how a more literal interpretation of the same action is destroying said national pride - in what is a second shot at our best chance for international silverware.

All things considered, our chances are pretty good. Holger Osieck is far more capable at the helm than Graham Arnold could have ever been in 2007 and, while the squad may not be on as much of a high leading into the 2011 edition, a number of experienced players are hitting top form at the right time.

Senior 'Roos Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Mark Schwarzer and Josh Kennedy in particular are all having excellent seasons for their respective clubs. Add to that the emergence of players such as Brett Holman, Sasa Ognenovski and Mile Jedinak as first-team contenders and a winning formula is just about in place.

A squad rich in all-round talent has offset the somewhat irreplaceable positions left vacant by the departures of Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella and Scott Chipperfield.

With that in mind, I have compiled a squad of 23 players which I see as having the right amount of depth, flexibility, youth and experience needed in order to lift the Asian Cup.

The squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers

Mark Schwarzer - An obvious selection if we want to win this tournament. Could be a fairytale ending to an incredible international career should he choose to retire.

Adam Federici - A fine choice as #2 behind Schwarzer, he looks to be the one most likely for taking over the gloves long-term. Always impresses when I catch his performances for Reading.

Brad Jones - I'd have Jones selected just ahead of someone younger like Mitch Langerak, mostly due to his unlucky circumstances in missing out on the World Cup experience. Closer to succeeding Schwarzer than either of Langerak or Galekovic.

Defenders

Lucas Neill - Skipper. Recent form for the Socceroos hasn't been great but the constant stream of defenders auditioning to be his partner hasn't helped. Won't be dropped but does need to find form for the good of the team.

Matthew Spiranovic - If - and it's a big if - Spiranovic can reach a level of match fitness required to participate in the Asian Cup then he must be competing with Ognenovski to fill the hole next to Neill.

Luke Wilkshire - Now well and truly ensconced in the leadership group, Wilkshire is the most consistently solid performer we have. First choice at right-back and could easily be one of the better midfielders in the group too.

David Carney - Needs to be in top form to ensure left-back doesn't become more of a problem position than it already is. No real opposition for a starting berth.

Sasa Ognenovski - Deservedly has the inside running on the vacant centre-back position. Hopefully, for the sake of competition, he will be challenged to earn it.

Shane Lowry - Provides vital cover for the left-back problem as a promising young defender. Make us forget about Ersan Gulum, Shane!

Midfielders

Mile Jedinak - Hasn't yet cemented his place in the team but with Carl Valeri dropping off the pace, this should be his opportunity to stand up.

Neil Kilkenny - I would have Neil partnering Jedinak ahead of Jason Culina. His form has been good for Leeds and I feel he offers the same qualities as Culina but to greater effect.

Jason Culina - An experienced head in the squad; I would have him as cover for Kilkenny. Whether it's because of instruction or instinct, I don't think Culina is positive enough in possession. However, he's still a solid, proven and dependable performer who also offers cover at right-back.

Carl Valeri - Valeri's selection in my squad is on the proviso that he manages enough minutes for his club to find appropriate match fitness and form. Otherwise, Ben Kantarovski should be one who comes under serious consideration.

Brett Emerton - Obvious selection for obvious reasons. Is probably our best attacking outlet down the right wing, links well with Wilkshire and is the most flexible player in the squad.

Dario Vidosic - Should be an automatic selection in all Socceroos squads let alone when we are trying to inject youth. Could make a real impact in this tournament despite the positional competition he faces.

Tim Cahill - He's Tim Cahill. Need I say more? Could well win the Asian Cup for us by himself, though hopefully that won't be necessary.

Brett Holman - Hasn't looked back after finally discovering his fabled club form at the World Cup. The potential is there to grow into a lynchpin of the future 'Roos side, however I can't quite fit him into the starting eleven just yet.

Harry Kewell - Beginning to find form again following another injury setback. Kewell could really go out with a bang here considering he will be nearly 36 by Brazil 2014. Must be expected to chip in with goals from the wing.

Tommy Oar - My preferred choice to cover any potential Kewell absences, even ahead of Holman. Needs game time for Utrecht before the tournament commences while he might also face a tough task in convincing the club to release him.

Nathan Burns - Making significant strides at club level which should guarantee game time. His full Socceroos potential will most likely be realised beyond this tournament.

Forwards

Scott McDonald - No goals in twenty national team appearances is a worry, sure. However, I am wholeheartedly of the opinion that when McDonald plays, with Cahill in behind, the Socceroos are distinctly better outfit. Keep the faith, the rewards will come.

Josh Kennedy - Australian's scoring regularly at club level are about as rare as an honest ExCo member so Kennedy should be a shoe-in. Will start the competition as a goalscoring weapon from the bench; he could easily end it as first-choice.

Nikita Rukavystya - Another who hasn't yet convinced the masses of his worth at international level. This could be his time to grab an important goal or two if the team find themselves behind in a match.

- - - - - -

Each of the players named here have a realistic chance of making Holger Osieck's final cut. The new man has a determination to emerge victorious - which is completely understandable - but that doesn't mean we can't expect to see youth get a look in.

Whether or not we will have our revenge come the end of January only time will tell.

Japan looks to be the biggest threat to our chances after a surprisingly strong showing at the World Cup and the following results since Alberto Zaccheroni took the reigns. However, the Socceroos will first have to first overcome fellow Asian powerhouse Korea Republic in the group stage to be confident of progressing through to the latter stages.

Only then can we begin to ponder a dream clash with Qatar, and make up for our wrongdoings in 2007.