With Andrew Nabbout unavailable, either Tomi Juric or Tim Cahill are expected to lead the Aussie frontline in Sochi.

But former Socceroos and Perth Glory boss Smith feels the use of winger Leckie as the number 9, and Daniel Arzani taking Leckie’s spot on the flank, could work well.

“I would play Leckie up the middle to start and bring Arzani in on the right,” he told FourFourTwo.

“I’ve always wanted to see Leckie play up the middle. Peru; they are out of the running so team selection and approach is unpredictable. We have to beat them, which might leave us a bit vulnerable but it’s do or die time, no point in wondering, we have to go for it.

“I thought our draw with Denmark was a fair result and a decent performance. I predicted Denmark would go for the win and it would lead to a more open game, which would suit our chances of doing the same - going for a win.”

Socceroos coach van Marwijk has come under fire in Australia for not playing Cahill at all during the World Cup.

But Smith believes the reason for Cahill’s non-selection is quite straight-forward.

“I would suggest criticism is based on emotion rather than logic,” he said.

“I’d have put Tim on in the last 15 against Denmark and use him if the game warrants it. Tim has had far better treatment than players such as Lucas Neil, as his use by date comes up, simply because he has the ability to score goals, we all accept that.

“In a team that is suited to playing counter attacking football you wouldn’t start Timmy, quite simple.”