The golden generation is gone. Time for Socceroos' Generation Next.

Fears that not much lies beneath Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer may not be founded as a core of players is emerging who could spearhead Australia's 2014 World Cup campaign.

As well as any of the current Socceroos who will be over 30 by the time of the 2014 tournament in Brazil, the World Cup camp has uncovered a group of mid-20s players who may have what it takes.

The two most obvious are Brett Holman and Carl Valeri - who have gone from fringe players to a duo the Socceroos can build a campaign around after their excellent World Cup efforts in South Africa.

Outgoing coach Pim Verbeek said those younger players who were part of the squad or involved in the pre-World Cup training camp would have much to offer the Socceroos in the future.

"There's absolutely talent there," Verbeek said.

"When I see what the young players did during the camp, players like James Holland, Shane Lowry, Rhys Williams, Dario Vidosic, Mark Milligan - they are good players, talented players who work as hard as this generation at the moment.

"Okay, it's something still they have to show in upcoming years.

"But they made big steps the last three weeks, training with the big boys."

Doubtless other talent will emerge over the next four years.

Few had heard of Williams, Vidosic or Tommy Oar at the time of the 2006 tournament.

Perhaps ex-Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitch Langerak might be one to watch as he starts his career with German giants Borussia Dortmund at the age of 21. He'll be 25 should the Socceroos get to Brazil.

Generation Next certainly has a hard act to follow.

Their stage will initially be an Asian Cup campaign in January next year, and a long World Cup qualification road set to begin in 2012.

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