If, as expected, the Socceroos earn the point required for automatic group qualification to the World Cup on June 6 in Qatar, it could signal the chance for our national team players to be given a much-needed rest ahead of a World Cup year.

And with a busy schedule of friendlies and Asian Cup qualifiers over the next 12 months, Socceroo supremo Pim Verbeek may opt to rest some of his squad However, as Valeri admits, it will be difficult to turn his back on the green and gold.

"I'm the type of person ... well, physically I think I do need a break but I can't miss them. It's just something I have to do," he said of the June World Cup qualifiers against Qatar away and two home games against Bahrain and Japan.

"I love to play for Australia, it was my dream as a little kid so for me to say no, it'd be horrible. I couldn't do that. So if Pim picks me, I'll definitely come back.

"And even if I have to sit on the bench that's fine."

First choice holding midfielder Vince Grella may make a return to the national team in June after a stint on the sidelines with injury at his Premiership club Blackburn, although comparisons with the former Torino man don't sit well with Valeri despite their Italian club lineage.

"For me, Vinnie will always be a step above because I've always looked up to him for so long. And he's playing at a top league," Valeri said. 

Grella has returned to training following a groin injury but was not named in Rovers' squad for the Tottenham game on the weekend.

Valeri added: "Unfortunately he's [Grella] having a few physical problems like a lot of us are but he's a fantastic player and a great leader."

Valeri's club Grosseto drew 1-1 away to Modena in Italy's Serie B on Saturday. The Aussie played no part in the game.