Neill: Now Squad Needs To Push At Clubs

DELIGHTED Australia skipper Lucas Neill called for his team-mates to push to play their club football 'at the highest level" to push the Socceroos onwards on the Road To Brazil 2014.

A pseudo-second string Australia side - minus big star regulars like Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Bret Emerton - efficiently dismantled Oman in their comfortable 3-0 win.

Brett Holman laid further claim to the central attacking midfield role with a man of the match performance that saw him score Australia's first goal and set up the second in another accomplished outing.

But youngster Michael Zullo held his own at left back, as did Rhys Williams at right back, Matthew Spiranovic looked solid in defence and Matt McKay has now confirmed his spot on the regular Socceroos teamsheet.

In goals, Adam Federeci had little to do apart from one save from a free kick, but reacted well when he was called into action with a stunning diving save for an unsighted ball.

After the game skipper Neill said he was impressed by the way the squad had gone about its business and cruised to victory.

"That was the target," he said after the game. "To win and win well tonight. We were disappointed after playing against Thailand last time, but good win on Friday [against Malayia] and backed it up with another good win and a clean sheet.

"It's great for [Federeci's] confidence and for all the games that have stepped up and done a brilliant job in the last ten days.

"It's going to give the manager a lot of selection problems now which is good. We're really pleased. Clean sheets always breed confidence. Good wins and good goals, that always helps.

" Now we are one foot in the next round but we still have some work to do."

Neill also paid tribute to the opposition, despite vanquishing them in the convincing win which has put Australia top of the qualifying group with a perfect three from three and nine points.

"They weren't easy," he said. "Like the game the other night, if we score early, it wrecks all their plans so they have to change tactics and we can allow a comfortable game.

"That's how it turned out. I'm really proud of the guys tonight, they played very professionally.

"Now they need to go back to their clubs, they need to get playing regularly, they need to push on, they need to be playing at the highest possible level...because that's all benefit to the Socceroos."