Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has called for a new full-time coach to be installed ahead of their World Cup qualification campaign.

The Socceroos' bid to reach the 2010 final in South Africa begins in February, however uncertainty remains as to who will lead the team.

Former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat, who led Russian Premier League side Zenit St Petersburg to their first title in 23 years last weekend, is widely expected to turn down the job, however Football Federation Australia (FFA) are yet to confirm a deal.

The FFA have, however, remained tight-lipped on the subject of their new man, only going so far as to confirm that, "the new coach will be in attendance (at the Nigerian friendly) as an observer."

The match against the Super Eagles is Australia's final match before their historic first-ever World Cup qualification campaign via Asia and veteran shot-stopper Schwarzer believes a new coach needs to be named soon.

"We need to sort it out sooner rather than later because our first qualifier is in February," the 35-year-old Middlesbrough goalkeeper said.

"The sooner we get a coach installed, get a bit of stability and start playing in the way he wants us to, the better it will be for everyone.

"It showed in the Asian Cup that every team is a good quality side and when we're playing against any team, for them, it's a major coup if they can cause an upset. We have to make sure that we're on top of our game."