Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has recalled big guns Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton and given Aston Villa's Chris Herd his first international call-up for this month's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Thailand.
In-form Brisbane Roar midfielder Mitch Nichols has also been rewarded for his excellent start to the A-League season, returning to the national squad for the first time since March 2009.
Schwarzer, Kewell and Emerton were all left out of the squad that easily accounted for Malaysia in a friendly last month before seeing Oman off in a World Cup qualifier four days later.
That victory has put the Socceroos on the precipice of direct entry to the next round of qualifiers.
Kewell and Emerton returned to the A-League amid much fanfare at the star of the season but have been slow to get going with their respective sides Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
Osieck, keen to seal qualification as soon as possible, had no hesitation in recalling them tp his 23-man squad.
But the Socceroos boss would not guarantee either player a starting berth, admitting he expected more from two of his biggest stars.
"I ask a lot more of them other than they have produced so far," he told a press conference in Sydney on Wednesday.
"I didn't say (I was) disappointed (by their form), I said I expect a lot more, I think there's a slight distinction there to be made."
"There's no guarantee (they'll play) at all, I'm pretty much performance-related."
"But knowing their value and what they can bring to the team I invited them."
Emerton said of his return: “It-s always an honour to play for the national team and it-s nice to be back in the squad."
“I have always been proud to represent my country and I look forward to the two World Cup qualifiers."
Herd has been in superb form for Premier League outfit Aston Villa, attracting the interest of the Scottish national team.
The 22-year-old's parents are both Scottish but he has pledged his loyalty to Australia.
Australia will play Oman in Muscat on November 11 before meeting Thailand in flood-affected Bangkok on November 15.
No decision has yet been made on whether the Thailand match will need to shift location due to the problems in the capital.