Thompson looks certain to start in Wednesday's Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kuwait City, and he is well aware that he is on trial for a possible trip to South Africa in June.

But those thoughts are on the backburner for now, with a win enough to secure Australia's passage to the continental showpiece in Qatar in 2011.

With a largely locally-based squad set to take the field, Thompson said there is a real sense of enthusiasm about the contest.

"We are all very pumped up, because there are a few debutantes there and there are spots still available for that World Cup team. Everyone wants to impress," said Thompson, who has played 32 times for Australia.

"It was a great week in Dubai, and everyone was working really hard. The training sessions were really intense. Pim got the best out of everyone and now we are just excited about the game on Wednesday."

Eugene Galekovic is set to win the battle for the goalkeeping spot, while Thompson's club-mate Matthew Kemp will make his Socceroos debut at right back.

National mainstay Craig Moore will anchor the defence alongside Simon Colosimo, who has not played for Australia in nearly three years. Dean Heffernan is expected to get the nod ahead of Scott Jamieson at left back.

Luke Wilkshire is likely to shift into defensive midfield alongside another European-based player in Mile Jedinak, while Nick Carle looks destined to miss a spot with Alex Brosque, Mile Sterjovski and Dario Vidosic all preferred. Thompson will most likely fill a lone striker's role with support from out wide.

Thompson's international ambitions took a dip the previous time Australia played Kuwait. Coming off a Grand Final win five days prior, the Melbourne striker missed several excellent chances as the Socceroos suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in Canberra.

He said that was a big wake up call as to the quality of Asian opponents and that he and his team-mates will be better prepared this time around.

He added: "They are a great side. I was probably a little bit shocked in Canberra with the way that they play. They are very technical and well organised and it will be no different here, especially when they've got the home crowd too.

"It's gonna be intimidating but I'm sure we've got a good blend of A-League players and a good blend of overseas players. I'm sure we can do a job."