Just what the future holds for the Socceroos will become a little clearer when they have their first post-World Cup hitout against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Thursday (AEST).

A 20-man squad containing just 13 of Australia's World Cup representatives has begun assembling in eastern Europe ahead of the friendly match.

Caretaker coach Han Berger believes the side he picks will kick-start Australia's rejuvenation ahead of both next year's Asian Cup and the 2014 World Cup.

A Football Federation Australia spokesman said on Monday all 20 players originally named were expected to front by Tuesday morning (AEST), with no injuries reported from weekend club matches in Europe.

Star players Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer headline the squad, with World Cup revelations Brett Holman and Carl Valeri also included.

Berger, FFA's technical director, is keeping the coaching seat warm until Pim Verbeek's successor is appointed.

And just like with his predecessor, much interest will centre on how Berger structures his attack.

Up-and-coming attackers Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite are in the squad, as well as World Cup bit players Nikita Rukavytsya and Richard Garcia.

All could taste game time, with Burns - impressive for Greek club AEK Athens in a recent friendly tournament in Sydney - certain to play some role as the Socceroos search for a striker.

Harry Kewell is unavailable, though he returned to goalscoring touch with two goals for his Turkish club side Galatasaray in their Europa League win over OFK Beograd last week.

The Slovenia clash will also mark former Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar's debut as a national team assistant alongside Dutchman Berger.

Slovenia also competed at the World Cup in South Africa.

Like Australia, they were unable to progress beyond the group stage.

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