Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has labelled Melbourne Victory strikers Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp as 'hopeless'. The national team boss gave the frank assessment of the duo's performance in last month's Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia after naming them in his 24-man squad for the match in Canberra versus Kuwait on March 5.

"If I say anything, people start saying that I abuse players and I abuse the A-League, so I have to be careful," he said.

"They were hopeless in Indonesia.

"I have to be honest, they were absolutely hopeless in Indonesia but the last games I have seen (in the A-League) they were very good. Maybe it was because it was Indonesia and it was a long trip. They are doing very well in their club and that's the most important thing."

The comments will surely be put in the back of the pairs minds as they focus on winning a second A-League premiership this weekend.