Osieck focus on France, not future Holger Osieck has heard nothing from higher powers to suggest his job as Socceroos coach is under immediate threat but, if that is the case, he'd like to know. The German says he's not paid attention to mounting speculation over his future as he prepares Australia for another daunting test in Friday's friendly match against France in Paris. Asked about reports suggesting Football Federation Australia has sounded out potential replacements ahead of next year's World Cup, Osieck says it's business as usual as the Socceroos look to bounce back from last month's inept and ugly 6-0 defeat to Brazil. "Nobody has spoken to me and if they (FFA) have ideas like that it would probably be just a matter of fairness at least to have a conversation with me," Osieck told AAP on Wednesday. But nothing has happened. Therefore I don't pay any attention to the speculation. I don't need any distractions. Osieck was confident of an improved showing against a star-studded French side, spearheaded by Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery. But he stressed the match was another part of the bigger picture in Brazil 2014. While Osieck achieved his initial mandate of guiding Australia to a third successive World Cup finals, criticism of his perceived reluctance to promote youth over ageing veterans reached boiling point following the nightmare showing in Brasilia. But the former West Germany assistant was adamant he knew how to prepare for a World Cup and said it was unfair to judge him too heavily on one performance. Osieck felt he was "carrying the consequences" of the awkward timing of the Brazil match, when many of the Socceroos players were out of season. He still believed it was a worthwhile exercise and said backing up against France at Parc des Princes would provide another valuable lesson. "Whenever you face a top team it's always risky, particularly when you play on their home soil," Osieck said. But if I was worried about that, why go there in the first place? People have to understand if we don't face the big challenges right now we wouldn't be prepared for the World Cup when we will face only teams of that calibre. While experience is likely to dominate the Socceroos starting line-up, several youngsters and fringe players could be handed game time in Paris - though more experimentation is likely against lower-ranked Canada in London next week. Osieck confirmed uncapped goalkeeper Mitch Langerak would start in Mark Schwarzer's absence. Rhys Williams, playing regularly with Championship club Middlesbrough, is an option to partner captain Lucas Neill in central defence while the likes of Mathew Leckie, Dario Vidosic and Oliver Bozanic - all in form at club level in Europe - could figure. Returning veteran David Carney looks likely to start at left back ahead of young gun Jason Davidson. Australia have injury concerns over Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar and Vidosic while Brett Holman and Tom Rogic have already been ruled out. France will face Finland in a World Cup qualifier next week and are assured of finishing second in their World Cup qualifying group. However the Didier Deschamps-coached side still has plenty to play for against Australia as they look to improve their world ranking of 25 in order to boost chances of earning a seeding for the playoffs. Osieck and his squad have conducted a video analysis of the Brazil defeat in camp this week and have placed a strong emphasis on not giving away posession cheaply against the French.