"I'd have the boy back in a flash," the Mariners boss told au.fourfourtwo.com.

The Socceroos defence, of which Beauchamp was a part, came in for some stick in the aftermath of the victory over Iraq but McKinna feels some of the criticism was unwarranted.

McKinna said: "I'm not sure how much football Megsy (Beauchamp) has played since December, it's only a couple of games.

"He needs games and once he has those games then he will just get better with that time on the bench.

"People have said things about the defending against Iraq but at times it case a case of runners not being picked up.

"I think Michael and Jade North will be the better for having played that match together against a good Iraq team. This is the side that won the Asian Cup and they've attacking players who are a real handful.

"As for Michael, let's not forget he was one of the shining lights to come out of a disappointing Asian Cup last year for Australia."

The defender's future at Nurnberg looks uncertain but much as McKinna would love to offer the player all the football he wants in Gosford, he isn't holding his breath.

McKinna said: "We really enjoyed having him here at this football club and as I said, I'd love to have him back. But I just can't see it happening, certainly not for a few years anyway. He's welcome to call though."

Mariners defender Andrew Clark partnered Beauchamp at the back for much of the inaugural A-League season.

Clark said: "I think he's become a much calmer player since he moved to Germany, no question. He's definitely the future for Australia at the back. It may be with Jado (Jade North). I don't know."