HAVING cut a swathe through A-League opposition during their time as Roar teammates, Robbie Kruse and Michael Zullo plan on having a similar impact when they return to Suncorp Stadium as Socceroos against Thailand on Friday night.

The pair burst on to the A-League scene as teenagers four years ago and were key members of the then Queensland Roar side that made it to the preliminary final in the 2007-08 season.

Both have had their issues since, Zullo with injuries and Kruse with off-field indiscretions.

Kruse saved his career by moving to Melbourne Victory in September, 2009.

The attacking weapon quickly regained his mojo, leading to his Socceroos debut at this year's Asian Cup and his recent switch to German second division club Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Zullo left Brisbane in April last year when he and Roar teammates Tommy Oar and Adam Sarota were sold to Dutch club FC Utrecht.

Having battled to overcome persistent groin problems, Zullo has been converted from a left winger to a left fullback, but still relishes the chance to get forward.

"I'm sure Michael will play well," his close friend Kruse said yesterday.

"When we made our debut for the Roar against the Phoenix that was a pretty special day, but I think this match on Friday will be much more special.

"We've been friends since we were little kids so hopefully we can get on the park together at one time during the game."

Kruse is hopeful of a warm reception from Brisbane fans who weren't welcoming of him in previous returns to Suncorp Stadium as a Victory player.

"I probably didn't help myself with my celebrations after my goal (last season), but hopefully it's all forgotten," he said.

"I had a good time when I was here. I probably did a few things I shouldn't have done and got myself in trouble. I take full responsibility and hopefully everyone's moved on now and I can go out there and play well for Australia and do everyone proud."

Kruse and Zullo are among seven former Roar players in the 23-man Socceroos squad, the others being Sarota, Alex Brosque, Luke DeVere, Sasa Ognenovski and Matt McKay, who this month joined Scottish giants Rangers.

"It's settling there are many of us that have known each other for a long time in this squad," Zullo said.

"We can come in here, relax and play our football and not have to worry about football."

Sarota, who earned his maiden cap in Australia's 2-1 win over Wales on August 11, said having so many former Roar players around him was comforting for a player still establishing himself in a squad containing the likes of star trio Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer.

A crowd of more than 30,000 is expected on Friday night, with tickets on sale through Ticketek.

ROAR ANNOUNCE NEW SIGNING

BRISBANE Roar have found their replacement for departed skipper Matt McKay Canadian international Issey Nakajima-Farran

Nakajima-Farran, 27, has signed a one-year deal with the A-League champions and is scheduled to arrive in Brisbane next week.

Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou said the attacking midfielder would "fit in perfectly" at the Roar and was the ideal man to cover the loss of Socceroos star McKay, who has joined Scottish giants Rangers.

"We had to replace Matty and we've done that now," Postecoglou said.

"Issey can play on both the left and rights sides and down the middle. He can also play up front, where he likes playing in a wider role. It's great for us that he can fit into two or three positions."

Capped 24 times for Canada, Nakajima-Farran's most recent club was Danish Superliga outfit AC Horsens, where he scored nine goals in 55 matches.

Nakajima-Farran, who has Canadian, Japanese and British citizenship, has also played in Denmark for FC Nordsjaelland and Vejle Boldklub.

"He had a few offers from other clubs in Denmark and in Europe, but the main thing was he wanted to play for his club where he could perform at his best," Postecoglou said.

"He really wants to go to the next World Cup with the Canadian team and he wants to be playing regularly in a side that suits his style."

Nakajima-Farran fills Brisbane's fifth and final visa player spot, joining fellow imports Thomas Broich (Germany), Henrique (Brazil), Sayed Mohamed Adnan (Bahrain) and Besart Berisha (Albania) at the Roar.

Originally published as Socceroos pair reunite for destruction