The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Olyroos blood 10 newcomers

Roar Guru
7th March, 2012
1

The Olyroos are blooding no fewer than 10 newcomers for next week’s dead qualifying rubber against Iraq in Gosford.

Coach Aurelio Vidmar has called up Gold Coast United pair Zac Anderson and Chris Harold, Melbourne Victory duo James Jeggo and Lawrence Thomas, Nick Fitzgerald of Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Heart’s Craig Goodwin, Sydney FC’s Mitchell Mallia, Jacob Pepper of Newcastle Jets, Josh Risdon of Perth Glory and Tom Rogic of Central Coast Mariners.

“It is obvious that mathematically, we can’t qualify for the London Olympics,” said Vidmar, “but that doesn’t change the fact that this is an international match that we want to win.

“Although we will only have a limited preparation, I am sure the boys will be looking to finish the campaign with a positive result.”

Vidmar has also selected his 18-man squad with one eye on the upcoming inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian championship.

Australia and Iraq are both out of contention for the Olympics, so have nothing substantial to play for in Gosford next Wednesday night.

Australia, the only team which has failed to score a single goal in five matches, lies bottom of the table on three points from three goalless draws.

Uzbekistan and United Arab Emirates will fight out top position in the other match to decide which one goes straight to London and which must face further qualifiers.

Advertisement

The Olyroos squad is: Zac Anderson (Gold Coast United), Mark Birighitti (Gk) (Adelaide United), Kofi Danning (Brisbane Roar), Nicholas Fitzgerald (Brisbane Roar), Sam Gallagher (Central Coast Mariners), Craig Goodwin (Melbourne Heart), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Brendan Hamill (Melbourne Heart), Chris Harold (Gold Coast United), Bernie Ibini (Central Coast Mariners), James Jeggo (Melbourne Victory), Ben Kantarovski (Newcastle Jets), Mitchell Mallia (Sydney FC), Jacob Pepper (Newcastle Jets), Dimitrios Petratos (Sydney FC), Joshua Risdon (Perth Glory), Tom Rogic (Central Coast Mariners), Lawrence Thomas (Gk) (Melbourne Victory).

close