Australia needs to better Saudi Arabia’s result to qualify automatically for Russia, with the Socceroos playing Thailand on Tuesday (8pm AEST) in Melbourne, while the Green Falcons host Japan (Wednesday 3.30am AEST) in Jeddah.

Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe and midfielder Shinji Kagawa have already been withdrawn from the squad which has already booked its World Cup place, leaving them with little to play for.

There’s been speculation Japan boss Vahid Halilhodzic could field an experimental side in Jeddah, although he’s yet to confirm his plans.

Milligan, who spent two years in Japan with JEF United Chiba, said he believed the Blue Samurai players would give 100 per cent irrespective of the situation.

“I don’t think that if we were in their position that we’d take a backwards step,” Milligan said.

“I really don’t think that they will. I don’t think it’s in their nature, I don’t think it’s in their culture to be honest, to not give 100 per cent.

“We are fully committed and focused on what we have to do on Tuesday night.

“I do believe that no matter what team they play over there, it’ll be a full blooded performance.”