Coach Holger Osieck has blended the old with the new in the squad for the upcoming games against Serbia and New Zealand as the evolution from the Golden Generation to the new Roo-lets takes place.

And McKay is especially looking forward to playing before a home crowd in the new-look side if he can force his way into the first XI.

“I haven’t played many friendlies in Australia so it’ll be good to get out there in front of the home crowd and home support,” he said.

“We can show them what we achieved at the Asian Cup and that we’re still progressing as well. It looks like Holger is going to bring a full strength squad so it’s another good opportunity for me.

“We’ve only got three more friendlies until the qualifiers start so we’ll have to be ready, do our work and enjoy the camp.”

Two very different football teams, McKay was aware of the unique threats posed by both New Zealand and Serbia and said Australia would need to be at their best if they were to secure positive results from the games.

“New Zealand are a good side, they were the only team undefeated at the last World Cup so they’re progressing as a country football wise which is good to see,” he said.

“Serbia – we played them at the World Cup and got the result we needed but they’re a good side too and there will be a lot of support for them in Melbourne.

“So I’m looking forward to both of these two really big, challenging matches.”

The possibility of facing off against Brisbane Roar teammate Kosta Barbarouses in Australia’s first friendly in Adelaide was also high in McKay’s mind.

“If we’re both on the park, we’ll definitely do a swapsies of our shirts after the game,” he said.

“Kosta had a great season with us last season and he really deserves his spot in the national team so I’m really looking forward to that – hopefully we’ll even get to mark each other!”