He has been to two World Cups and was an integral part of five World Cup qualifying campaigns. Most famously, he saved two penalties for the Socceroos in the successful play-off against Uruguay in 2005.

Mark Schwarzer debuted for the Socceroos in 1993. Credit:Getty Images

Schwarzer originally had plans of going to Brazil with the Socceroos but it's thought the change of manager from Holger Osieck to Ange Postecoglou may have played a part in his decision.

Postecoglou is due to announce on Wednesday morning his first Australian squad for the friendly against Costa Rica at Allianz Stadium on November 19. While Postecoglou is expected to name an experienced squad for the match, he has a plan to renew the Socceroos with fresh faces in time for the world's biggest sporting event.