The Central Coast Mariners boss and his players left Sydney this morning for two warm up games in Queensland, minus midfielder Mile Jedinak.

The Mariners player of the year is part of Pim Verbeek’s squad in the Middle East and McKinna believes a win over Iraq will boost his player’s chances of getting some more international experience under his belt.

Jedinak was given a chance to impress in the friendly against Ghana and McKinna feels he is making a positive impression on Verbeek.

McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I’ll be honest, I’d love to see the Socceroos get the three points and pretty much wrap up getting to the next stage of qualification.

“I think that would be a win-win situation for everybody. Maybe it would allow Pim to release a few of the overseas boys and they can then get away for a holiday after the long season they’ve had.

“That then gives him the chance to have another look at some of the other players in the squad for the remaining fixtures.

“I’m sure the lads from the A-League would love the opportunity.”

Jedinak is one of those players clearly on Verbeek’s radar and McKinna is delighted to see the former Sydney United man making such progress.

The Bluetongue boss said: “I watched Mile’s performance in the friendly against Ghana and he very rarely lost possession. He breaks up the play so well and he’s just a great defensive midfielder.

“He has strength, he’s quick and for a coach it’s terrific because he listens to instructions and then goes out and follows them. I know Pim likes the boy.”

As for the Mariners, they will face Capricorn Cougars tomorrow with Olyroo duo Nigel Boogaard and Matt Simon both expected to feature.

McKinna said: “Ideally, it’d be great to have 19 or 20 boys fit now, but it’s not to be, but Andrew Redmayne joins the squad as well and Boogaard and Simon back from Qantas Under 23’s duty, so we’ll have a wee bit more depth in our squad.”