The two 28-year-olds helped keep a clean sheet on Saturday night as Holger’s Heroes – as they’ve been dubbed – defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a spiteful friendly at the SFS.

The pair, who were teammates in Brisbane in the late 90s, got the nod from Osieck on the day of the game. They had little time to think about it but were grateful nonetheless to resume a partnership that goes back 13 years.

“The last time we played together was in the U/15s where we were both strikers,” North said with a smile after the game. “So we were just having a laugh about it. It’s been a long time but it was great to play alongside him, a close friend, and get a good win together.”

McKain added: “It’s a transitional period [in the Socceroos] but it’s always good to play with one of your best mates.”

The pair appear to have made a good impression on Osieck having been part of the German's three squads in charge thus far. And their performance against a tricky Paraguayan attack gives the new manager plenty to think about when captain and central defender Lucas Neill returns to the fold. 

Ironically it was North who replaced McKain at Wellington Phoenix after he left for Saudi club football with Al-Nassr earlier this year.

And after scoring with a header last week, McKain is revelling in Saudi football - even if the extreme heat throws up some odd challenges.

One is getting accustomed to arriving back home from training in the wee small hours.

“It’s hot! We train at 10-10.30pm. So you get home at 1-2am and you have to have dinner so it’s not an easy thing. It's 38-39 degrees in some places and around 85% humidity so it’s not easy,” McKain told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“But they’re all good with the ball, technically they’re very good and keep the ball well. Tactically they’re a bit weaker but they keep the ball well and that’s one of the strengths of the region.

“It’s a different level of football whereas the A-League is a lot more direct and physical so you’ve got to be a bit smarter over there.”

McKain has a good relationship with his manager at Al Nassr – former Italian keeper Walter Zenga who also coached McKain in Romania in 2003/4 at National Bucharest. The former Brisbane Striker said the respect from Zenga was there and it’s another key part of the reason why he’s taken a punt on the Saudi league.

“I’m enjoying it, it’s something different and I like to give myself a challenge – not only football but a bit of a life challenge and I’m enjoying so far.”

McKain, capped 14 times for the green and gold, added that he’s also been impressed by Osieck’s approach but is taking nothing for granted ahead of two more friendly games (against Egypt and UAE) before the Asian Cup kicks off in early January 2011.  

“When you come in and have a coach who kind of respects you a bit which obviously he has with me, then that’s fantastic. I’m indebted to him but I’m wary enough to know there are some good players coming through," McKain said.

“It’s the third camp for me and second consecutive game and I always want to do well. Tonight was okay although I look back and definitely see things I can improve on but I'll definitely put my hand up for the next camp against Egypt.”