Ange Postecoglou's latest 30-man squad for the crunch FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Syria was announced today. Here are five things you need to know.
Caltex Socceroos v Syria: get tickets here
Ange Postecoglou adds options for Syria play-off
Who's back in?
The squad features 22 of the 23 players who were originally named for the team’s most recent 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.
The only man missing is defender Matthew Spiranovic.
Denmark-based winger Awer Mabil gets another shot in the squad, while uncapped centre-back Matthew Jurman has been included again. The former Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar defender now playing for Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the Korea Republic.
Who are the new faces?
After missing final selection in the most recent squad, Turkish-based left-back Aziz Behich is recalled, while James Jeggo and goalkeeper Mark Birighitti are also there.
Sparta Rotterdam flyer Craig Goodwin has also earned a call-up for his good form in the Eredivisie.
But perhaps the biggest shock is the re-call of Nikita Rukavytsya. The 30-year-old's last appearance in the Green and Gold was in 2014.
Rukavytsya, who played in the Hyundai A-League with the Wanderers and Perth Glory, plays his club football in Israel with Maccabi Haifa, where he has scored four goals in seven matches this season.
Return of the Jedi
Having made his club return for Aston Villa last week, Mile Jedinak is back in the international fold.
The inspirational skipper last played for Australia against Saudi Arabia in early June.
Syria make it difficult for opponents: Iran boss
Who's in from the Hyundai A-League?
The Melbourne Victory pair of Mark Milligan and James Troisi are joined by cross-town club rival Tim Cahill from Melbourne City. The trio were all part of the squad for the recent games against Japan and Thailand.
But there’s a fourth name from the Hyundai A-League there now with Western Sydney Wanderers right-back Josh Risdon recalled to the Caltex Socceroos for the first time in 2017.
League/country breakdown
Ange has spread a wide net to select his squad, with 17 different countries represented in the make-up of the 30.
- England dominates with seven players; three from the EPL and four from the Championship.
- There are three players currently plying their trade in Germany between the top flight and 2.Bundesliga.
- Three who play in Asian leagues (one each from China, Japan and Korea Republic)
- Four in the Hyundai A-League
- Two from the Netherlands (Craig Goodwin and Mark Birighitti)
- And there's one player each from Turkey, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
Caltex Socceroos: recent ANZ Stadium record
FIFA 18 will be released worldwide on Friday 29 September, while those who pre-order the Ronaldo or Icon editions through easports.com/FIFA18 can receive 3 Days Early Access.