Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek believes Jason Culina's decision to return to play in Australia could be of detriment to his own national team chances. Culina signed with the new A-League franchise meaning he will leave Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and Europe to return home next season and Verbeek has admitted it may jeopardise his position with the Socceroos.

"Yes, I've never made a secret about that and Jason knows it also," Verbeek said of Culina returning home.

"It's up to him to try to keep the level he has at the moment. He's a great player, a fantastic player and, like I always said, if I'm honest he's coming a year too early if you're in my seat with my responsibility.

"On the other hand for the A-League it's a great player to have.

"What Jason promised me and told me was, 'you'll be surprised; I will be ready' so I keep him to his word."