Socceroos coach Graham Arnold senses something special is brewing as competition intensifies for spots in his Asian Cup squad.
Arnold gave debuts to fullback Rhyan Grant and midfielder James Jeggo in Tuesday's 3-0 win over in Sydney over a Lebanon side ranked 40 places below Australia in 82nd spot.
He made seven changes to his starting side from Saturday's 1-1 draw with South Korea.
Scottish-born winger Martin Boyle scored two goals and set up the third for substitute Matthew Leckie, as Australia cruised to an easy win and displayed plenty of attacking intent.
Arnold said Australia would probably have one more game in Dubai on December 30 or 31 before the Asian Cup starts in January in the United Arab Emirates.
The Socceroos' progress in his three matches in charge and their playing depth has given Arnold cause for optimism.
"The culture is fantastic at the moment and when you have competition for places, it makes the environment even healthier," Arnold said.
"I just have this real strong belief that something special is coming."
Arnold believes he has options to fill the vacancy left in the centre of midfield after former captain Mile Jedinak retired from international duty following this year's World Cup.
Mustafa Amini, Jeggo and Jackson Irvine put in good shifts in Sydney, with Arnold pointing out Massimo Luongo and Aaron Mooy could also play there.
"I'm asking a lot from the players with the pressing and it takes a lot of energy not letting the opposition play out, turning over possession quickly so we're asking a lot of them physically," Arnold said.
In form Adelaide United winger Craig Goodwin was one man who didn't get a run on Tuesday as Arnold looked at other forward options, but he stressed the player remained in contention for Asian Cup selection.
"Andrew Nabbout played in the World Cup and he's come back from injury and I wanted to have a look at him," Arnold said.
"I see Craig every week (in the A-League), Craig is doing excellent, Craig gives us something completely different as an out-and-out left winger, a left footer.
"Martin Boyle I wanted to see over the 90 minutes, Leckie I wanted to look at him at number nine."
Speed and mobility are key to Arnold's preference for fielding three number nines.
"Pace is a killer," he said.
"It's not easy when you play a team that plays a back five and plays so deep, the space is less.
"But I thought some of the combination play, the runs in behind was excellent and the finishing will come."
Australian Associated Press
