Osieck to let youngsters off leash

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has explained fears of a 'negative experience' kept him from using younger players in Australia's first two East Asian Cup qualifiers.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has explained fears of a 'negative experience' kept him from using younger players in Australia's first two East Asian Cup qualifiers.

Osieck claimed prior to this week's EAFF East Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Hong Kong that development of younger players would be the focus rather than progressing to the final four, but has selected almost his most experienced line-up possible against the host nation and North Korea.

But the 64-year-old German head coach has defended his decision and explained the younger players would feature heavily in the final two qualifying matches against Guam and Taiwan.

"The young boys that haven't played until now will get the opportunity," Osieck said after Wednesday's 1-1 draw with North Korea.

"I can tell you, if I have played the young boys today with their lack of experience, it would have been a negative experience for us.

"We still need the senior players to guide."

Osieck made just one change to his starting line-up from the opener against Hong Kong to Wednesday's clash with North Korea, with Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan handed the gloves ahead of Eugene Galekovic of Adelaide United.

The Socceroos led early thanks to a goal from Melbourne Victory's Archie Thompson but struggled to run out the match, conceding an equaliser to North Korea in the second half.

Osieck admitted his players were fatigued after their second game in three days but argued they had enough fuel in the tank to steal victory from the North Koreans late on.

"I think at the end of the game, they bounce back and they showed great spirit and determination, and I think it was unfortunate that we could not score," Osieck said.

"The players tried very hard and I have to give them a lot of credit."

The Socceroos' draw with North Korea means qualification for the final stage of the East Asian Cup next year could come down to goal difference between the two teams.

Having already played Taiwan and Guam, North Korea's goal difference is plus 10, while Australia (plus one) will need plenty of goals in their final two matches in Hong Kong.

But having played Hong Kong already, Osieck is convinced North Korea may drop points against the hosts in their final game on Sunday and if that happens, the Socceroos will only have to win their last two matches rather than worry about the margin.

"First of all, you have to consider (North) Korea, they have to play Hong Kong, and Hong Kong are a very ambitious team," Osieck said.

"We could experience that ourselves (on Monday).

"I don't think they (Hong Kong) give the points away, so I'm not sure whether the goal difference will be the decisive factor."

Australia's next match is against Guam on Friday.