Former Boro Crock Looking To World Cup?

Last updated : 03 February 2009 By Boro Mad

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is hoping the striker will be ready for the rigours of international football in two months' time.

Australia have two games before then, in Japan on February 11 and at home to Kuwait on March 5.

Pim Verbeek: "I don't think Japan is really in the equation, Mark won't be there.

"It would be a big, big surprise if he were fit and we don't put him under any pressure.

"Our home clash against Uzbekistan on April 1 is more than likely the date all parties would have pencilled in.

"Coming for the Uzbekistan game at home, it's a nice full week of training for Mark, so we focus on that and in the meantime I'm looking to Scott (McDonald of Celtic) and Josh (Kennedy of Karlsruher) because they have done such a great job so far."