Five Local Based Players In Socceroos Squad

In a huge boost for Australian-based players, Socceroos coach Frank Farina today named five players from Hyundai A-League clubs in his provisional 29-man squad for the upcoming Powerade Series internationals against Iraq and Indonesia.

In a huge boost for Australian-based players, Socceroos coach Frank Farina today named five players from Hyundai A-League clubs in his provisional 29-man squad for the upcoming Powerade Series internationals against Iraq and Indonesia.

Former Qantas Australian under 23 captain Ljubo Milicevic was also a notable addition and will potentially make his debut after recovering from injury which until recently kept him out for 13 months.

The squad for matches against Iraq (Telstra Stadium, Saturday 26 March) and Indonesia (Subiaco Oval, Tuesday 29 March) is:

Paul Agostino (1860 Munich), John Aloisi (Osasuna), Clint Bolton (Sydney FC), Marco Bresciano (Parma), Tim Cahill (Everton), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), Simon Colosimo* (Perth Glory), Jason Culina (FC Twente), Ahmad Elrich (Busan I Cons), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Vince Grella (Parma), Zeljko Kalac (Perugia), Steve Laybutt (KAA Ghent), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City), Jon McKain (National Bucuresti), Ljubo Milicevic (FC Thun), Ante Milicic (Newcastle Jets), Craig Moore (Borussia Monchengladbach), Kevin Muscat (Millwall), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers), Jade North (Newcastle Jets), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi), Mile Sterjovski (Basel), Danny Tiatto (Leicester City), Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City), David Zdrilic (Sydney FC)

“These games are very important to us in terms of world cup qualifying preparation,” said Farina.

“It-s a good squad. With the Hyundai A-League players now training and about to start practice matches I felt it was a good chance to get them in to the squad.”

“We-re urging the Australian sports fans to come out and support the team while they are here. It-s such a big year with the confederations cup and the world cup qualifiers on so come along and show your support.”

Both matches will be shown exclusively live on SBS.

* Simon Colosimo will be part of the squad for the match against Indonesia only.