For more from the Socceroos press conference,
Australia went through all four games in Germany 2006 without Skoko getting a touch of the ball after coach Guus Hiddink picked others ahead of the veteran midfielder.

And the memory still leaves Skoko hurt after risking his club career to help the Socceroos find success.

"I gave myself to the national team and it didn't help me at all," Skoko said today. "It didn't help me at club level."

Now he's set to refocus his career at domestic level with Wigan in the English Premiership after he bids the national team farewell against Argentina.

"It will be sad and emotional but that's just part of the natural evolution, part of life," he said. "It's no surprise, it's not a shock.

"You can always continue, but you've just got to ask yourself questions like 'Do I still have what it takes?'

"You need the enthusiasm and it's just different to when you were younger. Other priorities take over and you've got to look after yourself."

He added: "The body doesn't handle travel like it used to and ... if I'm not going to play in the Asian Cup and I'm not going to the World Cup, I might as well let younger boys come in."

Now coach Graham Arnold is tipped to send him onto the field wearing the skipper's armband.

"It might be a good way for him to say farewell," admitted Arnold today.

"He's been outstanding for the national team for the last 10 years and to play in his home state in front of a massive crowd and in front of family and friends is something he'll never forget."

For more from the Socceroos press conference,