Pim to focus on Oman

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says he'll replace his big-guns at the first sign of fatigue in Saturday's international friendly against the Netherlands - even if it means losing the game.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says he'll replace his big-guns at the first sign of fatigue in Saturday's international friendly against the Netherlands - even if it means losing the game.

While Verbeek admits the clash against his countrymen is 'a special game', he made it abundantly clear at his packed pre-match press conference that Wednesday's all-important Asian Cup qualifier against Oman remains priority No.1.

The Socceroos are precariously placed in fourth spot in their qualification group making next week's clash at Etihad Stadium a must-win affair.

"We like to win against the Netherlands, we have to win against Oman," Verbeek said.

"I'm going to play as strong (a team) as possible for Saturday's game - at least the start."

"During the game I will find out which players start to get tired or maybe which players I need to save for Wednesday's game, so that's a decision I have to make."

"They all look fit and some of them probably played a lot of games ... but they're all ready and I think we will start as strong as possible tomorrow evening."

Among the players Verbeek will be watching closely is skipper Lucas Neill.

"That's one of those players that I have to find out but that's a decision I will make tomorrow during the game," he said of Everton's prize recruit.

"He will start because he needs match rhythm but he looks very fit, he's ready but the question is can he play two times 90 minutes in four days time."

He's ready to play. Lucas is there, he has great experience and we missed him against South Korea and we're all happy that he's back."

The coach will take and equally cautious approach with Brett Emerton, who is on the comeback trail from knee surgery.

"For us after nine months of injury with Brett it's no use to take any risks," he said.

"He wants to play but I'm going to find out today on the training how he is, but he definitely will not play 90 minutes but he will be ready for Wednesday's game."

Meanwhile, Verbeek confirmed Mark Bresciano will miss both matches with a knee injury, while striker Scott McDonald (back) has also been ruled out of Saturday's clash but may still be available for the Oman game.

Not normally one for sentiment, Verbeek admits the clash against Holland holds extra meaning.

"For me of course it's an interesting game," he said.

"It's the third time I've played the Netherlands, I did it with South Korea in 2007 and last year in 2008 with Australia in Eindhoven and we do it again (on Saturday night).

"It's a special game there's no doubt about that."

And he concedes the fixture against the world's third-best nation will serve as the perfect measuring stick as preparations for the World Cup intensify.

"This is another big test for us to find out how good we really are or what we need to improve and that's what these games are for," he said.

"It's a big game and it's very good to play against strong teams like the Netherlands."