Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill will lead us to Cup, says Perth Glory's Michael Thwaite Perth Glory's Michael Thwaite puts faith in Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill. PERTH Glory's Michael Thwaite has thrown his support behind Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill, saying there is no doubt he will be in the heart of defence should Australia advance to Brazil. Neill, who will miss Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Oman at ANZ Stadium due to suspension, will be 36 at the time of next year's tournament. Thwaite said he had no doubt Neill would make it to a third World Cup. "He's the captain of Australia and I think everybody needs to respect that," Thwaite said. It's not even questionable. Thwaite is one of a group of defenders looking for an opportunity under the eye of Socceroos coach Holger Osieck during the current camp in Sydney. With Neill unavailable and fellow veteran Sasa Ognenovski on the outer following injury, Thwaite is part of a defensive group including Rhys Williams, Robert Cornthwaite and A-League players Jade North and Mark Milligan. While Thwaite is a fixture for Glory in the centre of defence, he has recently been deployed by Osieck at left back and in midfield and his versatility should ensure at least a spot on the bench. "There's definitely a lot of cover for Lucas and it just depends on who he goes with," Thwaite said. In previous games I've been used in different positions, so he always seems to keep you guessing, which is good for the motivation in general across the team. You're never guaranteed a spot, that's for sure, with the national team. I'm just happy to be back in contention. Thwaite is contracted to Glory for next season but his future in Perth is unclear given he is hoping to negotiate a move following the current A-League season to ensure he is fit for Australia's final three qualifiers in June. But the 29-year-old denied his World Cup dream hinged on being available for selection in those matches. "It's definitely going to be a tough decision, but I think I need to keep playing and I'm definitely looking at a loan or transfer opportunities," Thwaite said. I'll be talking internally with Holger and Perth, most importantly, about that because I have a responsibility for Perth as well. I don't have any concrete opportunities right now because the majority of the (overseas transfer) windows are closed. Thwaite, who was critical of Glory's direction last month, was pleased with the appointment this week of Alistair Edwards for the next three seasons. "In all their decision making recently, I think they're definitely making the right steps," he said. Thwaite called for the A-League to suspend competition during FIFA's official international breaks. He said the A-League season would then run later, reducing the off-season and helping players who were in contention for Socceroos squads.