A frustrated Robbie Kruse is still battling the mental scars from a serious knee injury but trying to stay patient as he rebuilds his Socceroos career.

Kruse has set high standards in recent years and was hard on himself after making his long-awaited return for Australia in the scoreless draw with the United Arab Emirates.

The 26-year-old winger played 60 minutes in his first competitive start since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for German club Bayer Leverkusen in January.

Kruse started brightly but lost his way as a lack of match practice and the brutal conditions in Abu Dhabi took their toll.

“It was excellent to be back with the team but my performance wasn’t the best,” Kruse told AAP.

“Obviously the match fitness isn’t really there yet and I think maybe I tried a little bit too hard.

“I’ve just got to try and not be too critical of myself. It’s my first game back and hopefully I can build on this.”

Kruse was Australia’s form player before being being cut down by injury, denying him a chance to play at a first World Cup.

The former Melbourne Victory star could be a huge weapon for Australia at the Asian Cup and is capable of easing the load on star attacker Tim Cahill.

But Kruse knows it’s a long way back, admitting his knee surgery was still playing on his mind at times.

“When you get a knock on the knee, you’re always thinking about it,” Kruse said.

“But the knee’s 100 per cent good to go so I’m just trying to stay positive.

“Missing the World Cup was a massive disappointment, it’s one of the pinnacles for any sportsman.

“The Asian Cup doesn’t maybe have the same prestige but it’s on home soil and a tournament we can win, so I’ll be doing everything I can to be chosen in the squad.”

Kruse made his club return off the bench with Leverkusen last week and is hopeful of playing an increasing role in the Bundesliga as his fitness improves.

He could get more game time for Australia against Qatar in Doha on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEDT) but he appears likely to come off the bench.

Ange Postecoglou’s squad made the 40-minute flight Abu Dhabi to the Qatari capital on Saturday ahead of their penultimate friendly match before the Asian Cup.

Tommy Oar (groin), Ivan Franjic (illness) and Mark Bresciano (back) missed the draw with UAE but are expected to return against a in-form Qatar side, which posted big wins over Uzbekistan (3-0) and Lebanon (5-0) last week.