Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has singled out some young players in his latest squad THE future has finally arrived for the Socceroos and the plan for the World Cup in Brazil is starting to take shape. Holger Osieck has played the ball to the feet of his youngsters and now it's up to them what they do with it. The game against Oman on Tuesday week in Sydney is the perfect opportunity - both at an individual level and for the team - to make a statement. The Socceroos have picked a predictable squad, many of the old guard is there. But what has changed is the message coming from Osieck. When naming his squad, he didn't point to Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer or Mark Bresciano. Instead, he singled out Tommy Oar, James Holland and Robbie Kruse. It's time. After leaning on his experienced players through the grind of the Middle East campaign, Osieck knows the success of this home stand - and, more importantly, at the World Cup in Brazil next year - will come down to the development of his young talent. No longer are the likes of Oar, Holland and Kruse role players for the Socceroos. They are the leading men. They have to set a standard. The reality is they aren't kids any longer, they are entering their prime football years and they have to play like they belong in the national team. The away phase of World Cup qualifying was difficult and gruelling, and the grinding nature of the Socceroos' play reflected that. I'm expecting to see a more fluent, more authoritative team when Australia run out against Oman. We have beaten these teams at home before and now that we have them on our turf, it's time to step it up a notch and get on the front foot. The younger guys are central to that. Fortuna Dusseldorf's Robbie Kruse is enjoying a great season and has become an important player for the Socceroos. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Kruse is the best example of what can be achieved with a little self belief. He's a much more mature and composed footballer since his move to the Bundesliga. He has 21 international caps now and is integral to the Australian team. Oar is only 21, but he is playing regular football in Holland with FC Utrecht. That confidence should wash through his game at national level as well; he should play like he's a regular and not just someone called up for a game here and there. His pace down the left can be deadly, but he has to have faith in his ability. It's the same with Holland, who is expected to help drive the midfield. Significantly, Osieck tempered expectations with Tommy Rogic. Despite Oseick talking down the former Mariners playmaker, by naming him in the 23-man squad it clearly shows he's in the picture. And who knows where he could be in 18 months if he establishes himself at Celtic? Rogic is a class act, but he is still at the start of his learning curve - much where Oar, Holland and Kruse were six months ago. By the end of this campaign, he might have established himself in much the same manner. You wouldn't bet against him. One area of concern for the Socceroos will be the defence, especially with captain Lucas Neill suspended for the game against Oman. There are options, but no one has claimed ownership of the position. Still, the pressure is on everyone. If the new breed don't deliver, then Osieck will have no choice but to fall back on the tried and tested. The World Cup campaign starts now.