McKinna returned to Sydney after a four day trip to Noumea yesterday. He, along with Mariners academy coach Tony Walmsley, were guests of the New Caledonia Football Association ahead of their Oceania World Cup qualifier with New Zealand on the weekend.

The Kiwis defeated Les Cagous 3-1, thereby booking a play off spot against AFC's fifth best nation. But McKinna said the result could've gone the way of the home side.

"New Caledonia were well in the game," he said. "Down 1-0 at halftime they came back into the game and were on top but a defensive mistake cost them and [Shane] Smeltz scored a great third one.

"There were a couple of [New Caledonia] players that were useful. One was the captain, I don't know his name but he was outstanding.

"They had quite a few boys who were skilful and very quick. But it's just small things that let them down and that comes from playing football at a high level... basic mistakes that you wouldn't do at a higher level because they don't get paid, they're amateur players."

McKinna added that New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said after the game he wasn't too concerned about how they played. It was the result that mattered the most.

"But he never said anything about resting his players for the dead rubber," added McKinna, in reference to Wellington Phoenix's clash with the Mariners on the weekend.

Phoenix, also coached by Herbert, supply the majority of the All-Whites.

McKinna is a master of picking up talent from lower tier leagues. Mile Jedinak, Pedj Bojic, Matt Simon, Dean Heffernan and David D'Apuzzo are all signings from lower tier leagues. Oceania could be next for the canny McKinna.

The A-League talent pool has come into sharp focus in recent times with news the J-League is expanding its visa spots. This means the best A-League talent could be lured to Asia's biggest league.

What's more, with two new A-League franchises, the demand for players is growing in a potentially diminishing market. With this in mind, the Mariners could be the first to develop the Oceania region as a talent supply line for the A-League. This in turn, should help lift the standard of OFC nations.

"This trip has opened up the door for these guys to potentially come over and train and to look at them. And maybe give them a chance to show what they can do," McKinna added.

"They put in a good performance. And the coach of New Caledonia reckons he's got four U/20 players who are worth a chance down the track in the A-League."

The A-League club has also been invited to play against New Caledonia this November during the FIFA window.

McKinna added: "That was something we discussed. And next year, it could be looked at to take one of the Pre-Season Cup games over there.

"So, it was very worthwhile going… - plus, it was 34C!"