Nathan Burns
Position: Midfielder
Club: AEK Athens
Age: 21
Caps: 4
Goals: 0
One of Australia's brightest young talents, Burns is now beginning to live up to wraps bestowed upon him as a teenager coming through at A-League club Adelaide United. The Orange product overcame a tough first 18 months in Greece with a successful loan spell at second division club Kerkyra. Since his return to Athens, Burns has been a revelation on the right wing for AEK. Coach Holger Osieck admitted his form in the Greek top-flight demanded a spot in the Asian Cup squad. Made his Socceroos debut against Singapore in June 2007 at the age of 19.

Tim Cahill
Position: Midfielder
Club: Everton
Age: 31
Caps: 46
Goals: 21
There is simply no doubt that Tim Cahill is the Socceroos' best player and in the opinion of former Australian coach Rale Rasic, the best of all time. He's a talisman, both for club and country, and to think it could have all been very different if FIFA hadn't changed their eligibility rules in 2004 after Cahill represented Samoa at under-17 level at the age of 14. Owns a slice of history as the first Australian to score at both the World Cup (2006) and Asian Cup (2007). Won the Oceania player of the year in 2004 and at the time of writing was rated one of the key contenders for the Asian player of the year. Capable of playing up front or in behind the striker, Cahill will be the man that inspires a serious tilt at the Asian Cup crown.

David Carney
Position: Defender
Club: Blackpool
Age: 27
Caps: 32
Goals: 4
It is some surprise that Carney is just 27 years of age, having seemingly been around for a long time. The versatile Sydneysider has been the man charged to fill the mantle left by reliable former Socceroo Scott Chipperfield, who like Carney started in left midfield before being shifted to left-back. Once a team-mate of Wayne Rooney in Everton's youth ranks, Carney made his name with Sydney FC before moving to English Championship club Sheffield United. A move to Dutch Eredivisie club FC Twente marked a better spell, but he was soon back in England after signing with Premier League outfit Blackpool. While he's made only five appearances for the Tangerines, there was never going to be any doubt Carney was heading to Qatar. A member of the Socceroos' 2010 World Cup squad and played two matches at the 2007 Asian Cup.

 

Nathan Coe
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Sonderjysk Elitesport
Age: 26
Caps: 0
Goals: 0
Rated as something of a bolter in this squad, Coe spent his youth career at the Brisbane Strikers and the AIS before heading to Europe as a teenager. Was once on the books of Italian giants Inter Milan and Dutch heavyweights PSV Eindhoven, but didn't make a recognised first-team appearance for either club. Saw more action with a move to Scandinavia where he kept five clean sheets for Danish club FC Copenhagen, but was shipped off to Sweden on loan. A return to Denmark has marked a rise in his fortunes as a fixture in Sonderjysk's first team.

Jason Culina
Position: Midfielder
Club: Gold Coast United
Age: 30
Caps: 56
Goals: 1
The dependable Culina is one of the key cogs in coach Holger Osieck's midfield, just as he was under previous Socceroos bosses Pim Verbeek and Guus Hiddink. Culina, who made his debut against South Africa in 2005, won three Dutch Eredivisie championships during a successful spell at PSV Eindhoven. It was made even sweeter for the industrious midfielder, who failed to make the grade at Ajax as a youngster, before building a fine reputation at FC Twente, leading to his move to PSV. His return to Australia as captain of Gold Coast United was a surprise one, but he has been a standout performer for Miron Bleiberg's men since their inception and his form has never been better at the international level.

Brett Emerton
Position: Midfielder
Club: Blackburn
Age: 31
Caps: 78
Goals: 17
Now in the veteran stage of his career, Emerton must be regarded as one of Australia's finest-ever players. Was the Olyroos skipper at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Capped 78 times, the pacy midfielder has represented the Socceroos with distinction and enjoyed a successful decade-long career in Europe. Won the UEFA Cup-Winners Cup during a fine three-year spell at Dutch club Feyenoord before moving to Premier League club Blackburn in 2003. Has made more than 230 appearances for Rovers playing under managers Graeme Souness, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Sam Allardyce and now Steve Kean. Been to two World Cups as a Socceroo and the Asian Cup. Was the Oceania player of the year in 2002.

Richard Garcia
Position: Midfielder
Club: Hull City
Age: 29
Caps: 13
Goals: 0
A skillful winger-cum-striker, Garcia left Australia at 15 to join West Ham and became a product of their famed youth academy. He was part of the Hammers' FA Youth Cup-winning team which also featured Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, scoring in every round of the competition. Injuries thwarted his progress and Garcia left for Colchester United after making 16 first-team appearances. It was at Colchester where Garcia shone, helping the club climb from League One into the Championship during a successful three-year spell where he played 96 games before linking up with Hull in July 2007. Since his move to Humberside, Garcia played a central role in City's promotion to the Premier League and stuck with the club after its relegation to the championship. Made his Socceroos debut in August 2008 against South Africa and was a member of the 2010 World Cup squad.

Brett Holman
Position: Forward/midfielder
Club: AZ Alkmaar
Age: 26
Caps: 38
Goals: 5
Brett Holman's profligacy during the Socceroos' qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup raised question marks over his selection for South Africa. But a sterling performance at football's premier event, which included goals against Ghana and Serbia, saw the former Parramatta Power man end the campaign as Australia's top goal-scorer. The impressive displays in green and gold continued after the World Cup, and with them came the recognition of Holman's penchant for intuitive positioning and off-the-ball running. That, coupled with a knack for scoring crucial goals, makes him an integral part of Holger Osieck's plan of attack. 

Mile Jedinak
Position:  Midfielder
Club: Genclerbirligi SK
Age: 26
Caps: 16
Goals: 0               
A relative unknown when he joined the Central Coast Mariners in 2006, Turkey-based Mile Jedinak is now a fully-fledged Socceroo who carries defensive midfield duties with aplomb. His robust style and workhorse mentality are aptly complemented with the know-how to navigate proceedings from the centre of the park. With injury-ravaged Vince Grella out of the squad, Jedinak is a strong candidate to occupy what may be one of two holding midfield roles in Qatar. 

Brad Jones
Position:  Goalkeeper
Club: Liverpool
Age: 28
Caps: 2
Goals: 0
A spate of loan spells have, for the most part, been required to secure regular first-team action for Brad Jones in Europe, but the best still lays ahead for the Western Australian-born gloveman, particularly given that goalkeepers tend to peak deep into their careers. As was the case at former club Middlesbrough, Jones is an understudy to current Socceroos No. 1 Mark Schwarzer, and a dependable one at that. Agility, composure and consistency were all on display when he was first-choice goalkeeper and one of the few shining lights in Boro's dreadful 2008/09 Premier League campaign that ended in relegation.

Harry Kewell
Position: Forward/midfielder    
Club: Galatasaray
Age: 32
Caps: 47
Goals: 13
When fit, Harry Kewell remains a potent attacking threat that is capable of spearheading Asian Cup glory. While his galloping runs and masterful dribbling have seldom been on display for the Socceroos in recent years, Kewell's versatility as a wide man or a second striker is a crucial asset to Australia's arsenal. Add to that a rich vein of form in Turkey's Super Lig in December, along with a desire to make amends for a forgettable display in South Africa, and the 'Wizard of Oz' may be waving his magic wand once again come January.

Neil Kilkenny
Position: Midfielder
Club: Leeds United
Age: 25
Caps: 2
Goals: 0
The combative midfielder has emerged as an integral part of Leeds' march up the Championship table this season, and has become a permanent fixture in Simon Grayson's side. Comfortable on the ball and blessed with outstanding vision, Kilkenny is at his best creating opportunities for team-mates to shine. He thrives on the big stage, as evidenced by his starring role at Old Trafford when Leeds scored a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the third round of last season's FA Cup, and will be keen to impress in his first international call-up in two years.

Robbie Kruse
Position: Midfielder/forward
Club: Melbourne Victory
Age: 22
Caps: 0
Goals: 0
Kruse's selection is just reward for an outstanding season with A-League side Melbourne Victory. He has emerged as Victory's most potent attacking weapon, with 10 goals seeing him become the competition's equal top-scorer. Comfortable out wide, in the middle or up front, Kruse looks most at home deep in the opposition half. He has improved in leaps and bounds at Melbourne after off-field problems blighted his time with Brisbane Roar, and the trip to Qatar and exposure to the national set up will do him the world of good for the future.

Scott McDonald
Position: Forward
Club: Middlesbrough
Age: 27
Caps: 20
Goals: 0
After his omission from Pim Verbeek's 2010 World Cup squad, McDonald has been handed an international lifeline by Holger Osieck, and the 27-year-old striker - goalless in 20 international appearances - will be keen to grab it with both hands. McDonald made his name in Scotland with Motherwell and then Celtic, but has found goals much harder to come by since his move to Championship strugglers Middlesbrough in early 2010. Quick, skilful and good in the air despite his lack of height, McDonald will be hoping to ignite his international career in Qatar.

Jon McKain
Position: Defender
Club: Al-Nassr
Age: 28
Caps: 14
Goals: 0
The former Brisbane Strikers and Wellington Phoenix centre back, who spent five years in Romania's top flight, is now plying his trade for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr. He was instrumental for the Phoenix in 2009-10 as they progressed to the A-League preliminary final and his form saw him recalled to the national squad for the first time since 2006. McKain acquitted himself well in friendlies against Poland and Paraguay, and must be in the mix to start in Qatar. Agile for his size, he reads the play well, is strong in the air and will push forward when the opportunity presents.

Sasa Ognenovski
Position: Defender
Club: Seongnam Ilhwa
Age: 31
Caps: 1
Goals: 0
Called up following a standout 2010, including leading his Korean club to the AFC Champions League trophy and winning the tournament MVP, being crowned the AFC Footballer of the Year and captaining Seongnam to fourth in the FIFA Club World Cup. A natural born leader and competitor, he relishes bullying his way through opposition strikers in central defence. Ognenovski brings an intimidating physical presence to the back four as well as inside knowledge of Group C rivals South Korea. Look for the 31-year-old to shine on the world stage if given the opportunity, he has earned his call-up and will back himself in.

Lucas Neill
Position: Defender
Club: Galatasaray
Age: 32
Caps: 63
Goals: 0
The heart and soul of the Socceroos, none were more upset than Neill at Australia's disappointing exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The sight of the captain being consoled by an equally distraught Luke Wilkshire after defeating Serbia still burns for many, and Neill will be desperate to make amends in Qatar. Was an ambassador of Australia's failed 2022 World Cup bid and has identified the Asian Cup as Australia's chance to reassert themselves on the world stage. At club level has settled into his new life in Turkey alongside fellow Aussie Harry Kewell.

Matt McKay
Position: Midfielder
Club: Brisbane Roar
Age: 27
Caps: 6
Goals: 0
A fringe player in the past for Australia, McKay will be keen to prove his worth to Holger Osieck. One of the most influential players in the A-League, McKay comes into the Socceroos squad in the midst of an excellent season with the table-topping Roar. The 27-year-old has proved a terrific captain for Brisbane following Craig Moore's departure and will hope to showcase his renowned energy and work-rate in Qatar. He may get the opportunity to do so early in the absence of Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano.

Jade North
Position: Defender
Club: Wellington Phoenix
Age: 28
Caps: 31
Goals: 0
Returning home to the A-League has brought North's hope of recapturing a Socceroos shirt to fruition. Now, it is up to the veteran defender to cement himself in the Australian side with a strong showing in Qatar. Missed out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to limited first-team action overseas, but a stint with the Phoenix has brought him to the forefront of Holger Osieck's mind. Has a wealth of experience but can struggle mentally and is yet to recapture the sparkling form of his Newcastle Jets days. Will most likely start on the bench.

Mark Schwarzer
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Fulham
Age: 38
Caps: 82
Goals: 0
Like the proverbial bottle of wine, the veteran shot-stopper seems to be getting better with age.  Subject of bids from Arsenal in the Premier League off-season, Schwarzer's performances for his country have mirrored those for his club side.  Saw off Zeljko Kalac and Mark Bosnich to become Australia's No.1 goalkeeper earlier in his career, with his irrepressible form since ensuring the nation's next generation of keepers have had to be patient.  Has shown little interest in retiring and - given he is still producing the goods - could be marshalling Australia's defence for a while yet.

Matthew Spiranovic
Position: Defender
Club: Urawa Red Diamonds
Age: 22
Caps: 5
Goals: 0
Dubbed Australia's future defensive lynchpin, injury and a lack of game time have stymied Spiranovic's bid to establish himself in the Socceroos squad.  Missed selection for both the 2007 Asian Cup and the 2010 World Cup, but finally looks to be fulfilling his promise by establishing himself in the J-League with Urawa Reds after a move from German club Nuremberg.  The most naturally gifted of any of the other candidates to play alongside captain Lucas Neill in defence, it remains to be seen if Osieck believes the Geelong-born youngster is ready to step straight into the side.

Carl Valeri
Position: Midfielder
Club: US Sassuolo Calcio
Age: 26
Caps: 29
Goals: 0
Valeri has worked his way back into his club side's starting XI after spending the first part of the Serie B season warming the bench.  Was solid for Australia at the 2010 World Cup, picking up the slack after Vince Grella's injury in the Socceroos' opening group game against Germany ended his tournament.  With Grella again missing, Valeri will compete with Jason Culina, Mile Jedinak, Matt McKay and Neil Kilkenny for a starting berth in Qatar.

Luke Wilkshire
Position: Defender/midfielder
Club: FK Dinamo Moscow
Age: 29
Caps: 50
Goals: 3
Many doubted his legitimacy in the Socceroos' 2006 World Cup squad, but the indefatigable Wilkshire has since showed what then-manager Guus Hiddink had seen in him. Regularly selected at right back but able to do a job in several other positions, Wilkshire's dedication to the cause and set-piece delivery has made him an integral part of the Socceroos side.  The late-bloomer was forced to drop down to England's third tier with Bristol City in 2003 after failing to make the grade with Middlesbrough, but has gone on to carve out an esteemed career with FC Twente and Dynamo Moscow.