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The 23-year-old attacker wants a start in the crucial World Cup qualifier against Jordan, but says the three points are what counts for the Socceroos

By DEJAN KALINIC

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Australia attacker Robbie Kruse hopes he has done enough to earn a Socceroos start in the vital AFC 2014 World Cup qualifier against Jordan.

The 23-year-old has started in consecutive international friendlies but was used as a substitute in Australia's opening two fourth-round qualifiers.

Kruse combined well with Luke Wilkshire down the right-hand side in Australia's comfortable 3-0 win over Lebanon on Thursday [Friday morning Australian].

And he is hopeful that performance was good enough to convince coach Holger Osieck to hand him a starting spot in Amman.

"We play football obviously because we want to play. Playing for your national team is a massive honour," Kruse said.

"I've started the last two games and if the boss gives me the nod to play again, I'll be thrilled with it.

"In the end, it's all about us qualifying for Rio whether it's me playing or anyone else. As long as we get the three points, that's all that matters."

The Socceroos are aware of the importance of the Group B encounterm having collected just two points from their first two outings.

Fortuna Dusseldorf attacker Kruse said winning the clash against Adnan Hamad's team was crucial in Australia's bid to qualify for Brazil 2014.

"We know the real test is on Tuesday and it's come to the point where it's vital for us to get the three points. It's going to be a tough test as well," he said.

"The conditions are hard and Jordan are going to be a tough team to play against. As long as we prepare properly, hopefully we can get the win and hopefully put in a good performance as well."

Australia defender Jade North also spoke about how difficult he expects the contest to be in hot conditions.

"It's going to be a tough game. Obviously we're playing them in their own backyard so we've done our homework. We've been training hard and we know what to expect," he said.

"These Middle Eastern teams are quite similar. We've played a number of teams from the Middle East now so we know what we're up against.

"It's all about turning up on the day and putting in a good performance."