Australia forward Nathan Burns hopes to be given the opportunity to make the most of his recall to the national squad when the injury-hit Socceroos face Thailand in an AFC World Cup qualifier in Bangkok next Tuesday.
The Aussies' preparations have been hampered by injuries to key attacking players, Tomi Juric and Massimo Luongo, in addition to goalkeeper Mitch Langerak.
The crocked trio have been replaced by Swansea City keeper Mark Birighitti, Melbourne Victory City midfield man Luke Brattan and Apostolos Giannou, who plies his trade in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou R&F.
Having already been denied the services of talisman Tim Cahill, who has been rested, the Socceroos look short on firepower. Between them, the absentees have scored four of the six goals in the Group B campaign so far, the others coming from centre-back Trent Sainsbury and a Mile Jedinak penalty.
Caltex Socceroos train in Thailand Day 2 - https://t.co/sLLm6tVVWq #THAvAUS #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/hspn3HNw5X
- Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 8, 2016
They may look to in-form Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Maclaren or FC Tokyo winger Burns, who can also play as a second striker, to provide the cutting edge.
Having been left out of the squad to face Saudi Arabia and Japan in the previous round of qualifiers, Burns hopes he can make a positive impact if he starts the game, though he has just three goals in 23 caps.
"Obviously, we have a few players out so we've got to look at our options," he told ESPN FC. "I've been playing well and I'm in good condition.
"I feel fresh so If I get my chance, I'll do my best and I'm looking forward to Tuesday night. We're confident of coming away with the three points."
When asked if they had identified any particular danger men for Thailand, defender Bailey Wright said, "We're still fresh in the camp and we'll have to sort of few things out among ourselves before we start thinking about Thailand.
"But we respect Thailand as a team, and as individuals and I'm sure we'll look at their players in more detail later in the week."
The Socceroos began their staggered arrival in Bangkok on Sunday and have been busy since they set foot in Thailand.
After two training sessions at Muang Thong United's SCG Stadium, they attended a reception at the Australian ambassador's residence on Tuesday evening and four players, including Burns and Wright, gave a football clinic at Lumpini Youth Centre in central Bangkok on Wednesday morning.