Australian national team coach Pim Verbeek admits he is worried about the number of his players playing regular first team football.

Verbeek wants his players to be fully fit when he makes his final selection in May but is worried about a number of European-based men who are currently not in their team's first eleven.

"I'm a little bit worried about those players, they have to start playing games. Wherever they play, they have to play games," Verbeek said ahead of next week's friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Limerick.

"I think that message is clear. They have 10 months to go.

"They have to be 100 per cent fit when I make my final selection in May, and it's up to them to make decisions this year."

Verbeek pointed out the situations of young players Matthew Spranovic and James Holland who were on the brink of their club's respective first teams.

"(For) Spiranovic it's time for him to pick up his place in the team (German club FC Nurnberg). If he's not, it will be very difficult for him to get a place in the squad," Verbeek added.

"(Holland) is the captain of the (Dutch club AZ Alkmaar) second team at the moment and he is doing well but it is time for the next step. He knows it and his club knows it, so it's up to him to pick up his place in the squad."