Verbeek reduces squad

Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek today released some players from his training squad as the last of the overseas players arrived in Melbourne ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier, presented by FOXTEL, against Qatar tomorrow night at Telstra Dome.

Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek today released some players from his training squad as the last of the overseas players arrived in Melbourne ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier, presented by FOXTEL, against Qatar tomorrow night at Telstra Dome.

On Sunday, Verbeek decided against calling up Michael Beauchamp, Nick Carle and Harry Kewell but all remaining selected players have now arrived. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was the last to touch down at 6.30 this morning.

"I have released several players this morning, who will return immediately to their Hyundai A-League clubs," said Verbeek.

"It is important that, having made my decision they would not be in the final squad, I allow them to return home, especially those players that have an Hyundai A-League finals series match this weekend."

"I now have a squad of 21 players which will be reduced to 18 for the match tomorrow."

"I want to thank the players who have departed for attending the camp for their participation and contribution.

"The 2010 World Cup campaign is a long and challenging journey and everyone will play their part to help us qualify for the World Cup."

Schwarzer was the last to arrive in camp this morning, only 36 hours before kick-off, but the Middlesbrough keeper is confident he will be right for the match.

"It's very tight, and obviously it's not the ideal preparation for a game. But I was just speaking to the manager and told him, I'll pull up with no problems and it (the late arrival) shouldn't be an issue," Schwarzer said.

The 35-year-old also confirmed that he is committed right through to the World Cup finals in 2010.

Remaining players in contention for the final squad are:

John Aloisi*, Mark Bresciano, Jacob Burns, Tim Cahill, David Carney, Ante Covic*, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy, Scott McDonald, Craig Moore*, Lucas Neill, Jade North*, Mark Schwarzer, Archie Thompson*, Nikolai Topor-Stanley*, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Danny Vukovic*, Luke Wilkshire.

* Hyundai A-League player

FOXTEL is the presenting partner of Australia-s World Cup journey. Coverage starts on FOX SPORTS 3 on Wednesday at 6.30pm AEDT.