Thompson was the surprise selection in Verbeek's 26-man squad for the two matches in Dubai and Doha having played just 70 minutes of club football since returning from a knee injury suffered in Australia's match against China in Kunming in March.

The Dutchman has shown remarkable faith in the medical assessment of Thompson, but doesn't expect the Melbourne Victory striker to play more than a cameo in these two games.

"If he can play for 30 minutes like he did against the Thai team (Chonburi) in the Champions League. I was really impressed what he did and the fitness he showed in the game against Juventus. I don't need him for longer than 30 minutes," Verbeek said.

"He's bringing something extra to the team. We don't have a player with the same qualities. He has speed, he can score goals, he can make a difference and he's a fantastic guy to have in the group. I thought 'we'll take him' and we will see if I need to use him."

"He will not start, because I know he will not play 90 minutes. Players like that make it difficult for any team. If we need him for 30-35 minutes, we'll use him."

Given Australia's strong standing in the group, there is a chance that it could have already sealed its place in the second round of qualification by the final match against China in Sydney on June 22.

Verbeek said that even if Thompson doesn't play in the Middle East, he would be a good chance to play in that match in the right circumstances.

"Even if we don't use him in these two matches, he can prepare for the China game. We still have three games to go," he said.

Thompson has come into the squad effectively replacing reigning Hyundai A-League player of the year, Joel Griffiths.

Griffiths has been battling injury and Verbeek said that the Newcastle Jets marksman needed to get back to his best.

"Joel worked harder than he ever had before. What he lacked was sharpness, real sharpness in front of goal," Verbeek said.

"I knew that he was struggling with his ankle and he was in the camp and didn't show it because he was desperate to be part of the group.

"I don't need him in the away games. It's better for him to let his ankle problem heal completely before he starts back with his club."

While Australia won the match against Iraq in Brisbane on Sunday, the general consensus was that the partnership between Scott McDonald and Harry Kewell didn't work as well as Australia would have hoped.

But Verbeek denied that Thompson's inclusion was an indication that he was looking to replace the Celtic striker.

"They are completely different players," he said. "Scott is a penalty box player and Archie is a player who crates his own chances and is unpredictable.

"You can not compare those two strikers, but maybe they can play together."