Defender Michael Beauchamp today vowed a youthful Socceroos side would “put on a show” despite missing their top-line teammates in Sunday’s World Cup qualifying dead rubber against China.

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Beauchamp was one of only a handful of starting regulars retained for the ANZ Stadium clash, which has little meaning after the Socceroos secured progression to the next qualifying stage with a 3-1 win in Qatar last Sunday.

China, who are already out of qualifying contention, arrived today with a near-first choice squad but Australia coach Pim Verbeek is using the match as a chance to give his younger fringe players some valuable experience.

Derby’s Ruben Zadkovich and Melbourne’s Rodrigo Vargas, both uncapped, were today named in a 14-man squad for the match with Olyroos David Williams (Brondby), Neil Kilkenny (Leeds), Stuart Musialik (Sydney FC) and Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide) set to be officially added to the squad tomorrow.

The side will again by captained by Harry Kewell, with Beauchamp, Carl Valeri and Jade North among the regulars backing up from the win over Qatar.

Brett Emerton, Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella were among those sent home to rest after arduous league seasons.

Striker Brett Holman was expected to play on but was not named, paving the way for Bruce Djite to possibly be handed a first international start.

Verbeek’s decision to rest his stars has drawn some criticism, with concerns a crowd of more than 70,000 would be cheated out of seeing the best available side.

But Beauchamp today promised the youthful team was driven to finish the first qualification stage on a high and provide plenty of entertainment in the process.

“It’s a bit of a weight off the shoulders (qualifying) … but we’re still concentrating on this game,” said Beauchamp, who yesterday sealed a switch from Nurnberg to Danish club Aalborg.

“We want to go out winners and put on a show for the fans that are coming out.

“It’s a chance for the young boys who are coming through, these (players) are the future, and it’s a chance for the Australian public to see what we’ve got coming through.

“Pim’s given a few of the older boys a game off after a long season and it’s a great opportunity for the young boys to come in and put their hands up … and there’s no pressure on them at all because we’re through.”

Teenage sensation Matthew Spiranovic is in line for his second senior appearance after making his debut in the friendly win over Ghana last month while A-League youngsters James Holland, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Mile Jedinak are also in the squad.

Michael Petkovic is likely to edge out Ante Covic for a place in between the sticks with Mark Schwarzer suspended for the match.

China were expected to bring a side made up largely of young Olympic players in preparation for Beijing, but signalled their intentions today by arriving with almost their best available team including English-based Sun Jihai (Manchester City) and Zheng Zhi (Charlton).

Beauchamp said he expected the Chinese to come out firing with their pride on the line.

He also played down concerns about the state of the ANZ Stadium with four top-class football games to be played there on back-to-back days from tomorrow.

“I’m sure they’ll do their best to get it right for us,” Beauchamp said.

“At the end of the day both teams will be playing on it so we can’t make any excuses about the pitches. We’ve played on worse I’m sure.”

Squad: Michael Beauchamp, Ante Covic, Bruce Djite, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Harry Kewell, Neil Kilkenny, Stuart Musialik, Jade North, Michael Petkovic, Kristian Sarkies, Matthew Spiranovic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Rodrigo Vargas, David Williams, Ruben Zadkovich.

© AAP 2012

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