Socceroos captain Lucas Neill admits he's wary of an ambush from Qatar in tonight's World Cup qualifier, but insists the Australian squad is cool, confident - and ready to make a statement.
The Socceroos welcome back Everton net-finder Tim Cahill for the clash at Suncorp Stadium, and after a lengthy ten day preparation, Neill says his team is perfectly poised to jump to the head of their qualifying group.
"There are no excuses... This is the one. This is really important," Neill told the Alan Jones breakfast program on Sydney radio station 2GB.
"It puts us on six points, top of the group, and it's going to send out a message to the rest of the group that we are here and we're definitely on our way to South Africa."
Still missing the likes of Harry Kewell, Marc Bresciano, Vince Grella and Mark Viduka - Neill says he has complete faith in the new-found depth in the national ranks.
"The so-called big-guns are missing, I'm afraid. But their loss is another one's gain... and I think the squad now is talented with a lot of depth," Neill told Jones.
"The guys that have been given their chance look like they're really buzzing in training.
"We can't wait. We're really excited. The camp's in a confident mood... we've beaten them twice before but the boys have had a clear message that we're not to take it as one of complacency.
"It's a game where we know they're coming to upset us.
"If we can win the game and maximise the points tonight, I think it's going to be great strides on the way to South Africa (2010 World Cup).”
Cahill has played just one game of Australia's 2010 campaign, and Neill says his return will give the home team a huge advantage.
"He has (only played one game) but he scored a goal and it was against Qatar and I'm sure the kind of character he is he'll be desperate to play tonight, and I have no doubt I'll see him on the score sheet.”
And on team tactics?
"We have to be very much on our guard because we know that Qatar, with a new manager, will be out here to upset us. I'm sure if we don't start right, it'll be a long night.
"The message for the boys tonight is to make sure we start fast, similar to the way we did in Melbourne last time we played them.
"And make sure we get at them straight away. Hopefully their defence will crack early and we'll have a comfortable evening.
"If we don't, it could be a very long night.”
Pim Verbeek's win-loss record as Socceroos coach will surpass Guus Hiddink's if he can mastermind a victory against Qatar, and Neill says it's well deserved.
"I can't say enough about the guy. I think he's a fantastic guy.
"I think he's here for a long time. He's got a great rapport with the squad, he's got us playing some fantastic football, he's got us believing in ourselves when we go out on the pitch and he's very thorough when it comes to preparing before a game.
"Everything you want from a football manager he gives you.
"At the moment, it's a really really good place to be."
