To see Arnie training the Olyroos at North Sydney Oval...

The Olyroos coach says every member of his 18-man squad is in contention for the first group game against Serbia, a match he sees as crucial in the pursuit of success.

Jade North, David Carney and Archie Thompson are the senior trio in Arnold’s squad and although the coach said it had been a very tough process he has no regrets over his treble pick.

Speaking at today’s press conference in North Sydney ahead of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand, Arnold had a one word to describe the challenge of choosing three over-age stars.

He said: “Murder. I wish I was in the same position Argentina and Brazil are in, where they have players that have that so much power in their clubs, such household names that they actually say to the clubs ‘bad luck I’m going’. We don’t really have that.

“I spoke to every Socceroo that could strengthen the team. Every player pretty much has either come off the back of an average season with their club or they were moving clubs. Brett Holman was all ready to come but then in the final moment he left and went to AZ Alkmaar in Holland, Harry Kewell joined Galatasaray, Mark Bresciano didn’t have the best season at Palermo and was on the outer for the last six months so he’s in a difficult position, then you’ve players who have had babies and can’t leave so it was very difficult.

"But having said that I’m very happy with three I’ve got. Two of them are starting members in Pim’s side – Jade North and David Carney – and if Archie Thompson wasn’t injured he’d have been playing at certain times.”

Arnold is happy but not yet decided who will step out in the first match against Serbia. “Nowhere near it,” he replied when asked how close he was to his starting XI.

However, if fit and in form the three over-age players will start with Carney pushed forward into a more advanced, attacking role.

Arnold said: “Yes, normally the three over age players will play. You build a squad around them because they’re going to bring experience. The rest of the positions are up for grabs. We’ve pretty much got two guys for every position.”

The coach insists a good start is crucial against Serbia. He said: “Serbia are a very, very good side. They got runners up in the Euro under 21 championships.

"We’ll have our scouts out there right through the back half of July making sure we know everything about them, that they haven’t changed too much. It is a crucial game the first game.

"Any tournament you go into, the first game is probably the most important because if you don’t lose that first game you stay in it for the whole three games. So it’s crucial we get a good result there.

“What’s successful (at the Olympics)? Let’s put that as a medal. If you go there for any other reason then you’re going there to make up the numbers.

“We want to try and push these players as far as we can, to make sure that they’re ready for the biggest occasion of their lives.

“They’ve achieved one of their goals, selection, but that’s not good enough. The selection is great but the next thing must be is to be a successful Olympian.”

To see Arnie training the Olyroos at North Sydney Oval...