For some fringe Qantas Socceroos, the friendly against Romania is an opportunity to stake their claim ahead of March's FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Qantas Socceroos' friendly clash against Romania on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEDT) presents a host of fringe players with an opportunity to stake their claim ahead of March's FIFA World Cup qualifier in Sydney.
Two such players - defensive pair Robert Cornthwaite and Jason Davidson, will be hoping to seize their chances to impress coach Holger Osieck.
Cornthwaite has rocketed into calculations on the back of impressive showings in the Korea Republic and Hong Kong in recent months and has capped his emergence as a Qantas Socceroo with selection for what could be considered a full strength line up that has assembled in Spain.
The versatile 27-year-old has been in pre-season training with K-League outfit Chunnam Dragons and is eager to make what would be his sixth Qantas Socceroo appearance against Romania.
"I-ve been lucky enough over the last couple of months to play a few games for the national team, which is always a proud moment," said Cornthwaite.
"To get a call up into a very, very strong side is something I-m excited about and I-m looking forward to hopefully getting an opportunity on Wednesday night.
“I-ve never felt so motivated in my career, I-ve been working extremely hard this pre-season with my club side and every day when I go to training I-m really trying to taking those opportunities to improve and to get stronger.”
Another relatively untried defensive prospect in Marbella is Netherlands-based prospect Davidson.
Davidson made his first senior appearance in green and gold in Scotland last August and has been unsighted since.
Not to suggest the 21-year-old has lost his form, however.
Following a brief injury forced hiatus, the Melbourne-born defender has returned to action at Heracles Almelo in the Dutch Eresvisie.
"I think it-s a very big game, especially for the left back spot," said Davidson.
"It-s been up and down for a few players and I think it-s been vacant for a while now.
“Michael Zullo and I are here, I think, for the left back spot, so we-ll see on Wednesday who the boss plays, all I can do is give my best on the two training sessions that we have and if I do get a chance to play to show the boss and show everyone what I can do.”
The Qantas Socceroos will face the challenge of Romania in a friendly international at the Estadio Ciudad de Malaga on Wednesday, 6 February. Kick off is at 8.45pm local time (Thursday, 7 February 6.45am AEDT).
Next month, the Qantas Socceroos resume their FIFA World Cup qualification quest against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia on Tuesday, 26 March. Kick off is at 7.30pm local time.