Olyroos squad named for Korea Republic friendlies

Olyroos Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar has named a 23-player squad for two international friendly matches against the Korea Republic in the Hwaseong and Incheon next month.

Vidmar has selected 13 overseas-based players, 7 Hyundai A-League players with Aaron Lennox, Ryan Edwards and Brad Smith currently uncontracted.

Last weekend’s draw for the AFC U-23 Championship saw the Olyroos grouped with United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Jordan and Vidmar can now focus on the task of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games.

"These matches are another important step in our preparations for the Olympic qualifiers in January,” said Vidmar.

“Korea Republic will provide strong opposition as we head towards the Qualifiers and gives us the opportunity to work on so a few things and keep improving so we give ourselves the best possible opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games.”

“The spirit among the players is fantastic, they’re keen to learn and be part of the Olyroos so we’re really looking forward to these matches.”

The Olyroos will face the Korea Republic in two friendly matches on 9 and 12 October at the Hwaseong Sports Complex Stadium and Icheon Sports Complex Stadium respectively.

Australia begins its AFC U-23 Championship Doha 2016 campaign against the United Arab Emirates on 14 January at the Grand Hamad Stadium, before taking on Vietnam at the same venue on 17 January, with their final group match against Jordan on 20 January at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Sixteen (16) nations have qualified for the AFC U-23 Championship Doha 2016 with the top three (3) progressing to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games Football tournament.