Socceroo Brett Holman believes Australia's youngsters can defy the exit of stars in the coming years and push the national team higher up the world rankings.

New Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has thrown his support behind recalled striker Scott McDonald before Australia's friendly against Switzerland.

Captain Lucas Neill says there is a nervous edge to the Socceroos camp before this weekend's opening match under new coach Holger Osieck against Switzerland in St Gallen.

HOLGER Osieck is primed and ready to lead Australian soccer into a golden new era, but there's just one hurdle to overcome.

DEFENDER Rhys Williams has claimed responsibility for the injury which forced him to miss the 2010 World Cup.

AUSTRALIA'S ageing golden generation can expect a sympathetic hearing from the new Socceroos coach as Lucy Carne reports.

FULHAM goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is staying put after his dream move to Arsenal fell through with his current club insisting he wasn't going to be sold at any price..

MARK Schwarzer has had the door slammed shut on a dream move to English premier league powerhouse Arsenal and will stay put at Fullham.