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Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has surprised by plucking two Young Socceroos for inclusion in a European-based squad for next week’s friendly against Ireland.
It is the first time in a senior Australian squad for midfielders Oliver Bozanic and Aaron Mooy, both members of the national under 20 side, along with 22-year-old striker Nikita Rukavytsya.
The squad for the match in Limerick next Wednesday also boasts experienced stars including captain Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer and Mark Bresciano.
Verbeek decided against including any A-League players, overlooking the likes of Jason Culina, Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns because of the travel factor and the imminent start of the domestic season.
“I know how difficult it is for players to fly back to Europe then play a game and be one day later back in Australia,” he said.
“So (with the) A-League starting, I’m happy that the league starts over there, I think the coaches will be very happy that I leave my players in Australia.”
The only player based outside Europe selected in the 22-man squad was Jade North, with Verbeek saying that was only because he is not currently a first-choice player with his South Korean club Incheon.
In-form Japanese-based striker Josh Kennedy was left out because of the travel factor.
But Verbeek said that policy, along with some injury absences, left the team thin in the midfield.
Vince Grella and Carl Valeri are both out injured, compounding the absence of Culina and Burns.
That has prompted some experimentation but Verbeek insists the youngsters have earned their call-up.
“Mooy is making a big impression at the moment in the under 20s team, I’ve spoken of course to (under 20s coach) Jan Versleijan, he’s doing very well … it’s the same with Bozanic, during the tournaments they played in Europe in the summer time,” he said.
Verbeek said even if that pair did not play, being around the squad would be valuable experience.
He was unsure whether Neill would play, as he is currently without a club and the coach wants to assess his fitness once he arrives in Ireland.
In terms of preparation for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Verbeek said he was more concerned about other players currently failing to get regular club football.
He cited North, David Carney, who is with Sheffield United, and James Holland, with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, as players not getting top-level games who might need to consider moving to improve World Cup selection chances.
“In the upcoming 10 months, wherever they have to go, they have to play football, this is clear,” he said.
Veteran striker Mark Viduka, currently without a club, is in a similar position, but Verbeek said he still had time to prove himself.
Socceroos Squad:
Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, David Carney, Ante Covic, James Holland, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Harry Kewell, Patrick Kisnorbo, Adrian Madaschi, Scott McDonald, Aaron Mooy, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Nikita Rukavytsya, Mark Schwarzer, Matthew Spiranovic, Dario Vidosic, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire
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