To see the Olyroos on the beach at Terrigal today...

The tall left-sided defender took a knock at training yesterday and is on crutches to keep weight off his ankle. However, hopes are high that the left-sided defender wil recover in time.

If the Glory man fails a fitness test, Jets utility Adam D'Apuzzo is likely to slot into a left-sided role in defence.

Striker David Williams also is struggling with a slight knee bruising but should be fit for the big match.

The Olyroos play fellow table-topper Iraq on Saturday night in Gosford in a do-or-die encounter. Graham Arnold's Aussies must win to give themselves a chance of qualifying next year's Olympics.

Arnold has described the match in the press as the most important game in this country since Uruguay.

As for the crowd, the latest figures indicate 8000 tickets have been pre-sold. At least 2000 are estimated to be Iraqi fans driving north from Sydney for the clash.

Officials are hopeful of a an attendance of at least 12,000 at Bluetongue stadium with a large Aussie contingent there to roar on the locals in this vital clash.

To see the Olyroos on the beach at Terrigal today...