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Scottish defender Harry Souttar qualifies to play for Australia through his mother and will debut in a World Cup qualifier against Group B minnows Nepal.

Australian coach Graham Arnold has confirmed Scotsman Harry Souttar will make his Socceroos debut in their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Nepal.

Souttar will pull on his Socceroos jersey just day after arriving in Australia for the first time with the 198cm defender earning a starting role in Thursday's clash.

The 20-year-old grew up in Scotland but he's eligible to play for Australia through his mother.

Souttar played for Scotland under-19 and his brother John currently plays for the Scotland national team.

The defender switched his allegiances to Australia earlier this year and played two games for the Olyroos who were coached by Arnold at the time.

"I can disclose that Harry will start," Arnold said.

"It's a great moment for Harry because Harry has lived over in the UK his whole life, but even as a kid he had posters in his room of the Socceroos boys.

'He's been an Australian football fan all of his junior life and you know his brother plays Scotland so we might have to tee up a friendly between Australia and Scotland.

"It's a great occasion for Harry and for him to do it here in Australia is fantastic."

Souttar is the only uncapped player in the squad and he'll follow in the footsteps of Scotsman Martin Boyle, the Hibernian striker who made his Socceroos debut last year.

Australia won their Group B opener against Kuwait and host Nepal in Canberra for game two, before facing Taiwan away next Tuesday.