Rob Baan announces strong line-up for Jordan match

Qantas Under 23s coach Rob Baan has announced a strong starting line-up to take on Jordan tonight (Thursday morning Aust time) for the team’s final Group D qualifying match against Jordan in Amman.

Qantas Under 23s coach Rob Baan has announced a strong starting line-up to take on Jordan tonight (Thursday morning Aust time) for the team-s final Group D qualifying match against Jordan in Amman.

The Australian side will go into the match knowing that a draw will guarantee progression to the third and final stage of qualifying which commences in August. Australia are on eight points, three ahead of Iran who host Saudi Arabia with the two matches being played simultaneously. Saudi Arabia on 12 points have already qualified while Jordan on two points are out of contention.

Baan is able to welcome back defensive duo Adrian Leijer and Ruben Zadkovich who both missed the last match through suspension. Also in the staring line-up are overseas-based players Neil Kilkenny (Birmingham City), Trent McClenahan (Hereford United), Aaron Downes (Chesterfield), David Williams (Brondby, Denmark) plus attacker Dario Vidosic who will soon link up with German Bundesliga club Nuremburg. The team will again be captained by Sydney FC's Mark Milligan (pictured).

Remaining on the bench will be Adelaide United-s Kristian Sarkies who has been suffering from a virus while Melbourne Victory midfielder Leigh Broxham will miss the match through illness.

The third stage features 12 teams split into three groups and will be held from August 22 - November 21, with only the three group winners representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The Australian line-up to meet Jordan is:

Danny Vukovic (gk); Trent McClenahan, Aaron Downes, Adrian Leijer, Ruben Zadkovich, Mark Milligan (c), Neil Kilkenny, Dario Vidosic, Nathan Burns, David Williams, Bruce Djite

Fixtures:- Round 2 - Match Day 1 - (Away) Wednesday 28 February 2007 Iran v Australia 0-0 Tehran

Round 2 - Match Day 2 - (Home) Wednesday 14 March 2007 Australia v Jordan 1-1 Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Round 2 - Match Day 3 - (Home) Wednesday 28 March 2007 Australia v Saudi Arabia 2-0 Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Round 2 - Match Day 4 - (Away) Wednesday 18 April 2007 Saudi Arabia v Australia 2-1 Dammam City

Round 2 - Match Day 5 - (Home) Wednesday 16 May 2007 Australia v Iran 3-1 Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Round 2 - Match Day 6 - (Away) Wednesday 6 June 2007 Jordan v Australia Amman