Speaking to the Australian media today Verbeek said Viduka's immediate focus was trying to keep Newcastle United in the English Premier League. International issues would be addressed once that job was completed.

Verbeek was making no promises with regard to Viduka and the coach said much hinged on whether the player wished to continue (next season).

If he agrees a new deal at Newcastle for another year then that would send the right message to the Socceroos boss.

The coach said Viduka's inclusion or otherwise for the World Cup qualifiers would be "one of the last decisions we will take." But no question that Australia would embrace Viduka if he was fit, willing and ready to represent his country once again.

"But he is focusing completely on his Newcastle job (at the present). He doesn't want to make any decisions (on international issues). It is up to him to make a decision. Let us wait for that," said Verbeek.

Whether Viduka is included in the squad or not, it will be a large group that Verbeek assembles for next month's games.

With travel, heat, inury and suspension all factors, the coach is not going to be left short.

He said: "I am going to pick a big squad."

Verbeek also rubbished any suggestion that if World Cup qualification was wrapped up in the first clash, there would then be a mass exit by the big hitters looking for a break.

"They (the players) all know we select them for three games. None of the players have told me they want to go on holidays."

Despite a good recent record against Qatar, Verbeek also knocked any suggestion that there was a danger of thinking the job was already done. "No. I never believe my players are over-confident," he said.

However, one player who won't be part of the June games while remaining firmly in Verbeek's World Cup plans is Brisbane Roar skipper Craig Moore.

Verbeek said: "We both agreed this is not the right time. He hasn't played any real tough games in the last weeks or months and he won't be playing in the upcoming weeks. I have enough central defenders who are ready and fit. But he (Moore) will do everything to be ready for the World Cup."