Australia will embark on their push for a third consecutive appearance at football's showpiece event when the qualifiers start in September.

Neill was buoyed by the Socceroos' encouraging displays against New Zealand (3-0) and Serbia (0-0) in the past week, with the two friendlies offering a number of fringe players the chance to press their claims.

In the absence of first-choice performers Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and David Carney, the likes of Michael Zullo, Adam Federici, James Troisi and Neil Kilkenny took their opportunity to shine.

"We've got a nice deep 25-30 players that you could throw in at any stage and they would be ready to put on a good performance for Australia," Neill said.

"We're probably going to need all those players because it's going to be tough and it's good to have them getting good game time against decent opposition."

Zullo, who plies his trade with Dutch club FC Utrecht, impressed as a left-back with Carney out against both New Zealand and Serbia.

Federici was man-of-the-match in the scoreless draw against Serbia in Melbourne, with a string of acrobatic saves ensuring Australia extended their unbeaten streak at home to 10 matches.

Troisi scored his maiden international goal in the 3-0 success over New Zealand, while Kilkenny put some turmoil at club level behind him with an industrious display in that same match.

"Some players have stepped in and done really well," Neill said.

"It's great for the manager and great for the team (having that competition in the squad), training's always good and as a player it keeps you on your toes."

While his Socceroo commitments are over for the time being, Neill still faces an important period in his career as he searches for a new club after being released by Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray.

The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to newly-promoted QPR in the English Premier League, but expressed a desire to experience a new chapter on mainland Europe.

"I'm excited by a new challenge, a little bit disappointed having left Galatasaray, such a big club in Europe," Neill said.

"In the next two weeks, I'll start working things out, I wanted to concentrate on the Socceroos before anything and I've done that now.

"I'm hopeful that something different comes along. I'd like to try myself in Spain or Germany or France, to say I played there and experienced it, add a different dimension to my game.

"I said after 15 years in England I was happy to walk away from England, but equally if it all fits, how could you not say yes to come back to England."