Gleeson is keen for another battle with former team-mates Australia v Ireland Saturday, 7 June, 1000 BST Subiaco Oval, Perth

Ireland flanker Keith Gleeson returns home in an attempt to complete a memorable double over his former team-mates at the Subiaco Oval in Perth on Saturday.

The Dublin-born Gleeson has already chalked up a notable victory when Ireland defeated Australia 18-9 in Dublin last autumn.

But victory on the World champions' home soil will be a major achievement in the opening game of Ireland's Oceanic tour which also includes Tests against Tonga and Samoa.

It was two years ago that Gleeson arrived in Dublin airport while, on the other side of the globe, the Lions were facing the Wallabies in the second Test.

It was his first time back in his native city since his parents moved Down Under when he was seven.

Filled with consummate self-belief, Gleeson's journey was worthwhile as two years later and 14 caps under his belt, he's at the top of his game, and looking to face players who ultimately kept him out of the Wallaby team.

After one victory over his mates, another would be a significant milestone in Ireland's continuous rise to the top echelons of the game.

It's fun to play against guys I have known for a long time Keith Gleeson

''We believe we are emerging in international rugby,'' said Gleeson. ''We have a way to go yet. Certainly we want to be in the top six in the world.

''For me, I want to play well, better than the Australian back row, simply because if we do that as a team we have an even better chance of winning.

''Personally, it isn't a question of Australian people thinking they let this one go because Australia have three good open sides in the provinces. Maybe more than one slipped through the net.

''It's fun to play against guys I have known for a long time. It will be even nicer to come off the field having won again,'' said Gleeson, who is aware that conditions in Perth will be different to a wet November day in Dublin.

The conditions on Saturday will be akin to what Ireland can expect when they face the Wallabies in their Pool A game during the World Cup next October.

''Naturally the conditions will be better. At Lansdowne Road, it was raining, the ground was soft, and there was little chance to play open rugby.

''From a personal point of view, I'd rather see dry weather than wet because the match is faster and that's where I come more into my element.

Waratahs centre Morgtan Turinui will face a tough baptism

''There is also the fact that the World Cup is going to be played in similar conditions.''

However, while both teams go into the one-off Test short of several top-line players, Ireland want to gain a psychological edge for October.

However, coach Eddie O'Sullivan will look more to the performance rather than the result for confidence.

His opposite number Eddie Jones tosses in a few surprises in the threequarter line, and that could be the place where Ireland will attack.

New boy Morgan Turinui and the experienced Steve Kefu form the midfield axis, and they could be tested by Kevin Maggs and the talented Geordan Murphy who fills the void vacated by Brian O'Driscoll.

Australia: Chris Latham; Wendell Sailor; Morgan Turinui, Steve Kefu, Joe Roff; Elton Flatley, George Gregan (capt); Bill Young, Jeremy Paul, Nathan Sharpe, David Giffin, David Lyons, George Smith, David Lyons, Toutai Kefu.
Replacements: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Chris Whitaker, Nathan Grey, Lote Tuqiri.

Ireland: Girvan Dempsey; James Topping; Geordan Murphy, Kevin Maggs, John Kelly; David Humphreys (capt), Peter Stringer; Marcus Horan, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Gary Longwell, Alan Quinlan, Keith Gleeson, Victor Costello.
Replacements: Paul Shields, Emmet Byrne, Eric Miller, Paul O'Connell, Guy Easterby, Ronan O'Gara, Tyrone Howe.