Pim: Defence Slots Are Open

Moore, who has not played any football since injuring his hamstring in Australia's 1-0 Asian Cup qualifying loss to Kuwait in March, and Beauchamp (knee) were absent from Pim Verbeek's 30-man squad for the matches against Qatar, Bahrain and Japan, which may give any of seven other players a chance to play in 'Super June'.

With Lucas Neill presumably occupying one central defensive position, the other spot is a battle between Rhys Williams, Matthew Spiranovic, Mark Milligan, Shane Stefanutto, Adrian Madaschi, Jade North and Chris Coyne.

Verbeek said the injury to Beauchamp had opened the door for another player to press their claims for a berth in next year's World Cup squad, assuming Australia makes it to the showpiece tournament in South Africa.

The Socceroos coach will assess his options during the week-long camp in Dubai which precedes the match against Qatar on June 6.

"It's bad for him (Beauchamp) and bad for us. He's struggling with his knee. It's impossible for him to be fit for the first game. It's useless to take him. The central defence position is open. If you compare with the last game."

"Coyney has played several times for us, as has Jade North, all the rest are upcoming. They are young and talented and they can show me that."

"The problem with this camp is that a lot of players are at the end of their leagues, or almost finished. You never know how fit they are coming into the camp next week. That's one of the reasons why I picked a big selection."

The Dutchman again pulled a rabbit out of his hat, selecting Adrian Madaschi, currently played third division Italian football with Portogruaro-Summaga, in his squad. While Madaschi hasn't played for the Socceroos in five years, Verbeek was impressed by his defensive strength.

"He's a central defender. Tall, strong physically. Defensively, the games we have seen, he made a very good impression. It's a different league. We know he has the experience with the Olyroos in Athens. It's always good to have a player of his age (26), especially a left foot player in our selection," he said.

"Let him come, let him show himself. Possibly the only opportunity we have to compare him to the rest of the group. It's up to him now."

Meanwhile, Verbeek believes former Sydney and Newcastle player Milligan has changed completely as a player since joining Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, and could be ready to step up.

"I've spoken with Mark, I've seen him play. Totally different Milligan than you've seen in the A-League. You can see he is really enjoying himself. I thought he played well in the game that I saw him. I think he can play three different positions. A very promising player with qualities and now it's time for him to stand up again and say 'here I am'."

Spiranovic has only played reserve football since injuring his ankle in Socceroos camp in November. Verbeek said the 20-year-old's desire to maintain fitness and prove himself made him a hard choice to resist.

"I saw him play in the reserve team in Germany. He's 100 percent fit, he's training 100 percent with the group. He had a long time off with his ankle, but he's looking very fit and sharp. He's had enough holiday, because of his injury, so he's very willing to be part of the Socceroos," he said.

"For players of that age, I still think it is a good experience to be in the group and it's good for the other boys also that they can see we have a big selection available."