UNKNOWN teenagers could become household names when the Socceroos host the 2015 Asian Cup with Ange Postecoglou throwing the selection door open.

Postecoglou anticipates the likes of Robbie Kruse, Tom Rogic and Rhys Williams will be ready to take the next step, just six months after the World Cup.

But even players who won't feature in Brazil are contenders, with the Socceroos kicking the Asian Cup off at AAMI Park on January 9 amid mass interest and an estimated 2.5 billion global TV audience.

Postecoglou and captain Lucas Neill will commemorate the 365-day Asian Cup countdown at Federation Square on Thursday.

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The coach declared the door ajar for the next generation, giving hope to players such as teen West Ham striker Dylan Tombides and 16-year-old Perth Glory midfielder Daniel De Silva.

"The Asian Cup is an opportunity for anybody, regardless of age, to play a part,'' Postecoglou told the Herald Sun.

"There's no denying the team is in the process of being re-energised and the generational shift is happening so all the selections between now and the Asian Cup are with an eye to the future.

"I'm hoping post World Cup the likes of Robbie Kruse, Tommy Rogic and Rhys Williams have had the experience of the World Cup and really stand up in the Asian Cup.

And then there's the others. I'm going away to watch the under 22s (next Olyroos) in Oman and even beyond those groups there could be somebody who's younger who could potentially come into it.

One year out from Australia hosting the Asian Cup, we take a look into the crystal ball at what the Socceroos XI might look like this time in 12 months.

The Herald Sun's David Davutovic has taken up the task, picking his line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Do you agree? Have your say below and choose your XI here.



RYAN





FRANJIC SPIRANOVIC RHYS WILLIAMS DAVIDSON





JEDINAK MILLIGAN





KRUSE ROGIC HOLMAN





JURIC





"We're hoping once we come out of the World Cup we've got the core of the team settled and ready to tackle the Asian Cup six months later. But it's a long time in football and other players could put their hand up in meantime.

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"It's a major tournament on home soil, when's that going to happen again? There's enough incentive for everybody regardless of how they're going at the moment or their age.''

Australia, which joined the Asian Confederation from Oceania in 2006, reached the quarterfinals of its Asian Cup debut in 2007 before making the 2011 final, consigned to a 1-0 defeat after Japan sub Tadanari Lee scored a brilliant stoppage time volley.

And Postecoglou said the goal is going one better in 2015, with the final due to be played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on January 31.

"Whenever you play in a tournament in your home country you want to do well, which includes winning it,'' he said.

News_Image_File: Mat Ryan and Jason Davidson are two youngsters who could feature in the backline.

"The World Cup is the first thing we're focusing on from my perspective, we've got 12 months as of today where we've got two major tournaments.

"The focus in terms of teams and selection is the World Cup at the moment, then tackle the Asian Cup.

"We got close in the last Asian Cup and it's another opportunity for sure, we want to do well, being the host."

FIVE TO WATCH FOR THE ASIAN CUP SQUAD

Daniel De Silva (Perth Glory)

The most talented 16-year-old since Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka. That doesn't necessarily mean the midfielder will make it, but the signs are good. A skillful and intelligent attacking midfielder who's pint-sized but brave.

News_Image_File: Daniel De Silva has already tasted A-League action.

Dylan Tombides (West Ham)

The courageous 19-year-old has barely played since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2011 but he's joined the Olyroos for the AFC U22 Championships. A striker with remarkable poise in front of goal.

News_Image_File: West Ham United player Dylan Tombides is a highly rated striker.

Curtis Good (Newcastle United)

Good, 20, made his senior debut in a League Cup match last August but a subsequent injury cost him a Premier League debut with Newcastle United. The 187cm left-footed stopper is well-rounded, possessing good technique, poise and aggression.

News_Image_File: Kwame Yeboah was a revelation when he burst onto the scene at Roar.

Kwame Yeboah (Borussia Moenchengladbach)

Huge talent with an outrageous right foot. A big step having played just 12, mainly sub A-League games with Brisbane but Moenchengladbach is renowned for its youth development and set for the Champions League next season.

George Mells (Southampton)

Melbourne-raised Mells turns 17 in May and is at Southampton's renowned academy having previously been at Chelsea. A skillful midfielder with a fine range of passing, he's already represented the Joeys.

Originally published as Who will play for 2015 Socceroos?