AAMI Park ready for 'Roos

The World Cup qualifier between Australia and Saudi Arabia on February 29 at Melbourne's AAMI Park is set to give fans a preview into the Qantas Socceroos Generation Next heading to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The World Cup qualifier between Australia and Saudi Arabia on February 29 at Melbourne's AAMI Park is set to give fans a preview into the Qantas Socceroos Generation Next heading to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

With qualification into the next group stage already assured, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has the opportunity to test the depth he'll need during an arduous final group stage which will encompass eight matches.

Speaking on the likely strength of the squad when the fixture venue and timing were confirmed last month, Osieck vowed to take a "Goldilocks" approach to his selection, looking at getting a good spread of both established and developing Socceroos into the mix.

"I definitely don't approach this game as an experiment," he said. "We are in the process of getting the group together and there won't be too many changes."

"I'm pretty happy that I can count on experienced and well tested players and they will definitely be the core group of our team for the games."

"There is definitely a core group who are experienced and tested players but there is also an opportunity for the younger guys," he said.

The two sets of players likely to benefit from Osieck's desire to introduce some young blood into the mix for the Saudi Arabia match are those players based in the Hyundai A-League and those based elsewhere in Asia.

Those locally-based players who participated in October's potential Socceroos camp will be on the radar and fans who come to the first-ever international football match at the impressive Melbourne stadium, will likely get the chance to see several A-League players pressing their case.

Some of the A-League's better players have got through to their mid to late 20s without Socceroos caps and this match could provide a breakthrough moment for them.

They include Brisbane Roar trio Erik Paartalu, Petar Franjic and Matt Smith, who all played major roles in the Roar's famous unbeaten streak, Adelaide pair Zenon Caravella and Milan Susak, Central Coast's Josh Rose.

There are also several players who have fallen off the national radar in recent years including Archie Thompson, Michael Thwaite and Ryan Griffiths.

Thompson may turned 33 a couple of month ago, but he is still a firm believer that he can still cut it at international level and his recent A-League form would certainly back that up.

"If opportunities come my way I need to take them because I am getting to an age where these opportunities won't come around very often," he said.

Harry Kewell, Thompson's clubmate, will also come under consideration along with the other returning star of this year Brett Emerton.

But there is also a smattering of Asian-based stars who could be considered.

Along with Japan-based trio Josh Kennedy, Matthew Spiranovic and Alex Brosque and Korean-based defender Sasa Ognenovski, consideration could also be given for Japanese-based defender Mark Milligan, K-League pair Jade North and Luke DeVere and Chinese Super League players Joel and Adam Griffiths.

Tickets for the match are on public sale today via www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

A record-breaking pre-sale means 12,000 tickets have been snapped up by the Football Family. Good seats are available across all categories in the 30,000 capacity stadium.

Tickets start from $30 for adults and $75 for families.

"The promise of a full-house in a purpose-built football stadium has sparked huge interest among the Football Family," FFA CEO Ben Buckley said.

"The public on-sale opens the way for all football fans to join the Green and Gold celebration of the Socceroos- qualification for the next phase on the road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil."