Selection shock may see Cahill and Kewell warming the bench (THE AUSTRALIAN)

• BY:RAY GATT 
• From:The Australian 
• June 12, 2012 12:00AM

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Harry Kewell, left, is set to be selected on the bench for Australia's match against Japan tonight. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT would have been unheard of two or three years ago but the Socceroos are likely to go into their World Cup qualifying showdown against Japan tonight with two of the biggest names in Australian soccer sitting on the bench at Suncorp Stadium.

While coach Holger Osieck is holding his selection cards close to his chest, the chances are growing neither Tim Cahill nor Harry Kewell will figure in the starting lineup for a match that could be crucial for Australia's qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Given their limited preparation time - the Socceroos arrived in Brisbane only on Sunday morning - Osieck is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Oman in draining conditions last Friday.

Kewell, who was subbed after an hour in Oman, is expected to make way for the return of tall striker Josh Kennedy, which would leave Cahill on the bench.

Osieck has yet to decide who will start and admitted he would be guided by what happened at yesterday's training session.

"There is always the slight possibility for a change to the team," Osieck said yesterday.

"We are going to have another training run in the afternoon. I will have a close look at the other boys who did not start against Oman. If I make a change I will base it on what I see at training."

Osieck was diplomatic when asked about Cahill, who wasn't even used in Oman. "Looking at our group, everybody on the list could be on the pitch. Tim is definitely always an option for a starting XI spot," he said.

However Cahill appears to have been on the outer. But his record against the Japanese is sensational and he is the player the Blue Samurai would be fearing most.

Even with him and Kewell, the Socceroos will have a huge challenge on their hands tonight against a side that is playing with skill and confidence.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill suggested Japan deserved favouritism because of a favourable schedule that has seen it start its campaign with two comfortable wins at home tolead the group on six points. The top two in the group qualify for Brazil 2014, with Japan and Australia expected to fill those spots.

"They have had a better preparation, with two home games. They come here with confidence and they are the form team," Neill said. "But by no means do we see that as a bad thing. We like the underdogs tag."