The Brisbane game is crucial for Australia's hopes of qualifying for Qatar 2011 with a win or a draw enough to see the Aussies through to Qatar 2011. 

Gven the experimental nature of the squad named and with so many key overseas based stars missing, it's absolutely crucial the defensive unit - particularly in the centre - gels from the start. 

That's where the Nix pair, both 27, has an advantage.  The two have been a rock at the back of the Kiwi club and part of a finals-bound Wellington team that conceded just 29 goals this season; equal second best behind minor premiers Sydney FC.

The pair have a golden opportunity to re-establish their Socceroo careers and press their future claims in the centre of the back four - particularly with both first choice central defenders Craig Moore and Lucas Neill on the wrong side of 30.

"I think Durante and McKain did well this whole season, which can be an advantage. I was actually thinking about them already in the Kuwait game but then we had enough players," Verbeek said today. 

"Playing well together for their club can be an advantage but Simon [Colosimo] did well  the whole season and Jade North can play there. So we have some very good personnel I think."

McKain now has a chance to add to his 12 caps and last played for the Australian national team in the Asian Cup 2007 qualifier against Kuwait in September 2006 in Kuwait.

Former Olyroo Durante was part of Verbeek's first ever A-League train-on squad in early 2008 ahead of the Qatar World Cup qualifier in Melbourne. He, like almost all local players, missed out at selection.

Durante had earlier told au.fourfourtwo.com this week that he hadn't totally ruled out playing for New Zealand.

Although the former A-League grand final winner stressed his dream was always the Socceroos, he would qualify after living in New Zealand for three more years.

Also returning to the Aussie squad are Shannon Cole, Ben Kantarovski, Stuart Musialik, David Williams and Michael Zullo.

Verbeek added that he viewed Zullo as an attacking player rather than his current club role at Brisbane Roar as a defender.

Verbeek reiterated his ambivalence about the captaincy role in the national team. He did not name a skipper in today's squad but will make that choice in the coming weeks.