Socceroos coach Frank Farina has given his strongest indication yet that Paul Okon will lead Australia in next month's friendly against England.

The classy midfielder's future at the helm of the Socceroos has been the source of constant speculation following his stagnant start to the season at Leeds.

However, in recent weeks the 30-year-old has enjoyed a form revival at the Yorkshire club and that's likely to mean he once again wears the captain's armband when the Socceroos meet England at London's Upton Park on February 12.

"At this stage there's no reason why he won't be there," Farina said.

"He was never in doubt in my mind, I have never said that Paul Okon was out of the squad.

"When Okon plays well, I think teams play well. The unlucky thing for Paul is that he's had a lot of injuries.

"But I have been one of his biggest supporters. I think he's a wonderful player."

As for the captaincy, Farina said if Okon was selected, he would lead the side.

"If Okon is in the 18, he'll be captain," he said.

Okon has been a revelation since forcing his way into the Leeds squad.

The club has won four of its past six Premier League games and moved clear of the relegation zone.

Norwegian international Eirik Bakke became the latest teammate to sing his praises after a 2-0 win over Scunthorpe in the FA Cup.

"With Paul Okon playing ... the team has a better balance and that allows me to make forward runs," Bakke said on www.lufc.com.

"It gives us more options going forward and then the chances come as well.

"Paul does not let much get past him and apart from that we are playing much better as a team now."

Farina did admit there would be some surprises in the Socceroos' 18-man squad, which will be named in the next fortnight.

Former Wollongong midfielder Scott Chipperfield, now with Basle in Switzerland, and fellow midfielder Vince Grella (Empoli) are certain to be part of Farina's line-up.

Ajax goalkeeper Joey Didulica is likely to back-up Mark Schwarzer, while Blackburn defender Lucas Neill will be selected after impressing in the Premier League.

The squad will be devoid of locally-based players.

The match shapes as one of the biggest England friendlies in recent memory, with tickets selling out at a cracking pace.

The Socceroos will enter the game with high expectations, with several of Farina's big guns striking ominous form at just the right time, including Okon's Leeds teammate Mark Viduka.

Viduka scored from the penalty spot in Leeds' FA Cup win over Scunthorpe United, his second goal in as many games since regaining full fitness after a shoulder injury.

"I think he's been the biggest turnaround along with Okon," Farina said of Viduka.

"He's class. He could play in any team in the world. I am hoping by the time February 12 comes around he's still in the form he is in (now)."

However, Farina warned against expecting too much, with the national coach given only a handful of training sessions with his side before the game.

The complete squad is expected to gather only three days before the match, with several players having to meet club commitments before entering camp.

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