Osieck named a 26-man squad with few surprises for the vital games against Japan, Jordon and Iraq which will determine if the Socceroos will earn automatic qualification to Brazil in 2014.

Skipper Lucas Neill, defender Sasa Ognenovski and striker Josh Kennedy are among the experienced campaigners brought back into the squad after missing the previous match with Oman.
 
While the likes of exciting youngster Tom Rogic, Tommy Oar, James Holland and Robbie Kruse were included, Osieck has stuck very much with the old heads for the decisive games.
 
When pressed on the balance of the squad's age, the Socceroos boss stood by his selections and said it was too much of a risk to go with more youth at this stage of qualifying.
 
"It's experience in a certain way, but on the other hand, there are a number of players with only a little international experience in terms of caps," Osieck said.
 
"The general situation is always with (media) go youth, go young, do this, do that.
 
"I've given a lot of young players the opportunity, (but) I have to clearly say that experience is a very valuable factor to have in our present situation.
 
"I have to go with a couple of boys that have been there and know what's demanded. It would be unfair on the young boys to put the burden of the team's pressure on their shoulders."
 
Neill hasn't played a competitive match since he went off injured playing for Sydney FC on March 23.
 
While Osieck admits he's concerned his skipper hasn't been playing regularly, he's confident he has done enough in the recent training camp in Gosford to ensure he will be at his peak against Japan.
 
"We had a very intense program and we worked in particular on physical fitness," Osieck said. "He (Neill) worked very hard and he is progressing a lot.
 
"He's still captain of the team and to have him around is still of certain value to the team."
 
The German said Ognenovski, who is likely to partner Neill in the heart of defence, will add some strength to the back four which looked vulnerable in the draw with Oman in March.
 
"They (Neill and Ognenovski) have played together for a number of games and they have the experience," Osieck said.
 
"They have the special quality to offer to the team. What is significant is they ... know what's at stake, what's demanded, in Japan with a big stadium, decent crowd, we need that mental strength."
 
With Kennedy back in the squad after nearly a year out with injury, Osieck has the prospect of trying to exploit the aerial weakness of Japan by employing the bean-pole striker alongside Tim Cahill in attack.
 
Asked about playing a twin strike-force of Kennedy and Cahill, Osieck said: "To have both in the squad does not necessarily mean they play together.
 
"But I need to have alternatives. They are similar types of players ... both are comfortable in the tight area in the penalty box.
 
"I had them together on previous occasions and I wasn't too pleased."
 
Australia begin their final three qualifiers with an away clash against Japan on June 4, followed by home games against Jordan a week later in Melbourne and Iraq (June 18) in Sydney.