Matildas tune up for Asian Cup on Gold Coast

Westfield Matildas interim head coach Alen Stajcic says his squad are looking sharp and focussed after getting a first look at his players in training this week.

Westfield Matildas interim head coach Alen Stajcic says his squad are looking sharp and focussed after getting a first look at his players in training this week.

The 28-player squad have assembled on the Gold Coast in one the team's last training camps before the squad for next month's AFC Women-s Asian Cup is named on May 5.

The squad features experienced keeper Melissa “Bubs” Barbieri and striker Kate Gill from Perth Glory.

Up and coming talent such as newly named Sydney FC player of the year Nicola Bolger and Katrina Gorry from Roar are also in camp.

Stajcic, who took the reins from Hesterine de Reus after the Dutchwoman was relieved of her duties, is very familiar with the squad having previously worked with many of them as Young Matildas boss.

And he is excited by the way the side is taking shape as they aim to defend their Asian crown in Vietnam in a tournament that doubles as a World Cup qualifier.

"It is very exciting to have the opportunity to work with this group, a true honour," Stajcic said.

"A couple of sessions already and the girls are looking sharp and focussed.

"There is still plenty of work to be done before the final squad is selected and we head to Vietnam for the AFC Women's Asian Cup."

The Matildas are in a group with world champions Japan, host nation Vietnam and Jordan for the tournament in Ho Chi Minh City from 14-25 of May.

Full Westfield Matildas squad for Gold Coast training camp:

First Name - Last Name - Club Teigen ALLEN Western Sydney Wanderers Laura ALLEWAY Brisbane Roar Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk) Western Sydney Wanderers Melissa BARBIERI (gk) Adelaide United Nicola BOLGER Sydney FC Hannah BREWER Newcastle Jets Tameka BUTT Brisbane Roar Kim CARROLL Brisbane Roar Stephanie CATLEY Melbourne Victory Emma CHECKER Melbourne Victory Brianna DAVEY (gk) Melbourne Victory Rhali DOBSON Newcastle Jets Casey DUMONT Sydney FC Kathryn GILL Perth Glory Katrina-Lee GORRY Brisbane Roar Amy HARRISON Sydney FC Michelle HEYMAN Canberra United Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT Brisbane Roar FC Alanna KENNEDY Western Sydney Wanderers Leena KHAMIS Sydney FC Chloe LOGARZO Sydney FC Collette MCCALLUM Perth Glory Teresa POLIAS Sydney FC Clare POLKINGHORNE Brisbane Roar Vedrana POPOVIC Brisbane Roar Hayley RASO Brisbane Roar Ashleigh SYKES Canberra United Emily VAN-EGMOND Western Sydney Wanderers