Milligan: Caltex Socceroos deserve 'special' World Cup berth

Mark Milligan says the Caltex Socceroos are fully deserving of their place at the FIFA World Cup after a gruelling qualification campaign finished triumphantly on Wednesday night.

Mile Jedinak forced the opener from a free-kick and then scored twice from the spot as Australia overcame Honduras 3-1 in the second leg of the intercontinental playoff.

And Milligan, his midfield partner, believes a place at Russia 2018 is fair reward for effort.

"It's extremely special. This group has gone through a lot, from [implementing] the way we want to play to not qualifying automatically and these play-offs," Milligan told Fox Sports.

"Make no mistake, this group deserves everything they get.

"We have worked very hard over many years for everything we have achieved, not just this."

Milligan could be part of a fourth World Cup if he is selected in next year's 23-man squad, but the Melbourne Victory man was content to simply savour a special night.

"Just to be able to qualify, right at this second, means a great deal," he said.

"I just want to enjoy this moment with this team. "