Lucas Neill, 35, the Australia captain since 2006 and a former Al Jazira and Al Wasl defender, has signed with the Japan A-League side Omiya Ardija, and is targeting his third World Cup. Paul Oberjuerge looks at five more ageing Socceroos, a year ahead of Brazil 2014.
Mark Schwarzer Chelsea 40 The most-capped Socceroo, with 108 appearances, has played his club football in England since 1996, and now is Peter Cech's back-up at Chelsea. He was Australia's goalkeeper at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and has a reputation for stopping penalties.
Sasha Ognenovski Umm Salal 34 The towering defender, who pairs with Neill in the heart of the defence, was the Asian Footballer of the Year in 2010 while playing for the South Korean side Seongnam. He is beginning his second season with the Qatar club.
Tim Cahill New York Red Bulls 33 Has 28 international goals, making him one of the most prolific Socceroo scorers. Played 14 seasons in England, including eight with Everton, where he scored 56 goals. Now in Major League Soccer and has seven goals in 31 games.
Mark Bresciano Al Gharafa 33 The midfielder was impressive in one season at Dubai's Al Nasr, after a decade in Italy, and begins his second season with the Qatar side. He has been a key figure in organising the Australia attack, and has 13 international goals.
Luke Wilkshere Dynamo Moscow 31 The right back has been an ever-present for Australia since 2004. He played six seasons in England, with Middlesbrough and Bristol City, did two seasons with the Dutch side FC Twente and is in his fifth season in Moscow.
