'World Cup comes first': Farina

Australia national team coach Frank Farina has fired a warning shot at Premiership clubs over the availability of his players for World Cup duty.

Australia have been handed a better opportunity of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup with the decision by FIFA to give Oceania an automatic place.

However, the qualifying system for the confederation will be longer and more drawn-out, making more frequent demands on the Australian players committed to Premiership clubs.

“Whatever players I select, I’d expect them to be there,” said Farina.

“I don’t care how the clubs react. We’re battling for a spot in the World Cup. If they don’t like it, that’s tough.”

Farina could be expected to call upon such players as Leeds United trio Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Paul Okon, Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer, Birmingham City’s Stan Lazaridis and Blackburn’s Lucas Neill.