Socceroos coach Holger Osieck named a 24-man provisional squad on Tuesday for next month’s friendlies against France and Canada but did not include veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
20-year-old Jackson Irvine receives his first call-up to the Socceroos squad after starting in all three of the Young Socceroos’ matches at the FIFA under-20 World Cup in Turkey in June.
Oliver Bozanic, son of former Socceroo Vic Bozanic, gets his second call-up after being selected in August 2009 when the Socceroos played the Republic of Ireland in Limerick.
Mathew Leckie and Nikita Rukavytsya both return after last appearing for the Socceroos against the Korea Republic last November and also scoring for their club FSV Frankfurt last weekend.
David Carney and Jason Davidson also both return after varying periods of absence and Dario Vidosic gets named for the first time since his move from Adelaide United to FC Sion in Switzerland.
Tim Cahill and Luke Wilkshire have been included after both missing the recent match against Brazil due to injury.
Should Lucas Neill captain the Socceroos against France and Canada, he will equal Peter Wilson’s record of 60 matches as Australian skipper.
The friendly against France will be played at the Parc de Princes in Paris on Friday October 11 (6am AEST, Saturday October 12) while the match against Canada will be at Craven Cottage in London on Tuesday October 15 (6am AEST, Wednesday October 16).
Socceroos Squad for France and Canada friendlies
Oliver Bozanic, FC Luzern
Mark Bresciano, Al Gharafa
Tim Cahill, New York Red Bulls
David Carney, New York Red Bulls
Jason Davidson, SC Heracles Almelo
James Holland, FK Austria Vienna
Brett Holman, Al Nasr Sports Club
Jackson Irvine, Kilmarnock FC
Mile Jedinak, Crystal Palace
Josh Kennedy, Nagoya Grampus
Robbie Kruse, TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Mitchell Langerak (gk), BV Borussia 09 Dortmund
Matthew Leckie, FSV Frankfurt 1899
Matthew McKay, Brisbane Roar
Mark Milligan, Melbourne Victory
Lucas Neill, Omiya Ardija
Tommy Oar, FC Utrecht
Sasa Ognenovski, Umm Salal SC
Tommy Rogic, Celtic FC
Nikita Rukavytsya, FSV Frankfurt 1899
Mat Ryan (gk), Club Brugge KV
Dario Vidosic, FC Sion
Luke Wilkshire, FK Dinamo Moscow
Rhys Williams, Middlesbrough
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
I think Mr Osieck has heard the argument that friendlies are a good chance to test new players, so has given Schwarzer a rest. I suspect an international coach should already have known that. I would like to think that it is a permanent rest for Schwarzer, who has provided good service for his country (especially with penalty shots), but who has also let in a fair share of easy goals, and who is rarely assertive in organising his defence. Disappointed that Bresciano has been named. Last time I saw him play for Australia he passed the ball to the opposition on half a dozen occasions, then left the field injured. The Aussies' game picked up thereafter.
Punter
Guest
In the words of that famous politician 'Please explain'.
JAJI
Guest
You will find Vidmar is behind the reason Lowry isnt being picked either
Orly
Guest
Yep, he ignores a bloke who's been playing week-in-week-out and even been named in the K-League team of the week a few times. Then chooses Cornthwaite who can't even get a game in the very same league. I have a feeling Aurelio Vidmar may have had some input into that bizarre selection, because I see no reason why anyone would pick Cornflakes.
JAJI
Guest
Ikonomidis has big wraps apparently - so too jimenez
JAJI
Guest
He has been injured mostly and hardly playing in Korea.... Interestingly alex wilkinson plays every week but Holger not keen for some reason
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Chopper, last I heard de Vere was being eased back after a very serious knee injury. I am not sure what is happening right now with him. I agree, he is an excellent player and hopefully he gets fully fit and playing again, because he can play out from the back, is good in the air, and he learnt an awful lot of good stuff from Craig Moore at Brisbane, before Moorey and his horse racing gambling drinking buddies effectively took over the dressing room during Farina's time in Brisbane.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Langarak should start and play first half, Ryan on second half at least - reverse that for Canada game. These two should be getting as much national experience as they can...
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Is it harsh? Sure, he is talented. We all know that. My point is that he has hardly played in two years. If we are serious about demanding that the players picked are playing first team football regularly for their clubs before getting a look-in at NT level, then Langerak does not qualify. I like him as a keeper, but he doesn't have the runs on the board yet. That is my point.
Chopper
Guest
I would like to know what Luke Devere's situation is. Is he injured,not playing,out of form? For my mind he has/had the ability to play out from the back, good in the air and quite speedy when required. I agree Carney has no claim on a place in the team but only eleven plus subs can play and maybe it's a confidence booster for him from the coach. I don't see Irvine getting any game time either just letting him get into the group. As for the rest of the squad it is a reasonable mix but a few games too late especially where Neil is concerned as he has had unnecessary game time ahead of younger players. Can we carry both Neil and Og in the World Cup team? I very much doubt it.
jupiter53
Guest
A bit harsh on Langerak. I thought he looked pretty sharp playing against Napoli when Weidenfeller was sent off.
Legro
Guest
Good, about f***ing time, get rid off all the self-entitled has-beens. Who think they should always be offered selection on a silver platter. It will be the icing on the cake, if Osieck also magnanimously put himself out of the list. getting sick of all the hacks that are running this sinking ship.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Paul Okon has announced the u19 squad for the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers – 3 to 7 October 2013 Good mix of A-League & Euro players. From the AUS A-League teams, only CCM, AUFC & Brisbane are not representated. Jake Adelson Everton FC, England Jordan Brown Melbourne Victory, Australia Christopher Cristaldo Melbourne Victory, Australia Nicholas Cowburn Newcastle Jets, Australia Callum Elder Leicester City, England Daniel De Silva Perth Glory, Australia Ben Garuccio Melbourne Heart, Australia Christopher Ikonimidis SS Lazio, Italy Rafael Jimenez Villarreal CF, Spain Anthony Kalik AIS, Australia Scott Galloway Melbourne Victory, Australia Hagi Gligor Sydney FC, Australia Jordan Lyden Aston Villa, England Stefan Mauk Melbourne Heart, Australia Thomas Manos (gk) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia Joshua McDonald Sydney FC, Australia Christopher Naumoff Sydney FC, Australia Danijel Nizic (gk) Burnley FC, England Nicholas Olsen Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia Mitchell Oxborrow Newcastle Jets, Australia Luke Radonich (gk) Melbourne Victory, Australia Peter Skapetis QPR, England Benjamin Warland AIS, Australia Full story: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/young-socceroos-selected-for-afc-u-19-qualifiers/75725 PS: In the u16 AFC Qualifiers, AUS won the opening match 6-0 (vs TPE) and are currently 6-0 up after 21' in their 2nd match (vs MAC)
realfootball
Guest
I am beyond caring who Osieck selects in his squads. I just want him long gone from our national team.
whiskeymac
Guest
Irvine doing well. So-so choices. Carney is a bit retro. A touch of the Pim with that choice. To be honest I will be underwhelmed until I see who actually plays. The squadmay be featuring one or two new faces but with HO it's no point if they don't get meaningful gametime.
Bribieboy
Guest
I agree with most of you that Carney should not have been picked. I'm not over keen on McKay and Og either and it is good to see Ryan and Langerak getting a chance. If Holger wants to take Schwarzer to Brazil then maybe as a goal keeping coach.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
Good point! I can't count :(
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
I think it does smack of knee jerk reactionism, but at least he has finally picked a squad based on who is playing regularly, rather than just his favourites (with the exception of Langerak, of course, who can't be in there on merit, because he's played sweet FA for the last two years. But then, I suppose, rather than hand caps to a 40yr old who is not playing, it's probably better to give them to a 25yr old in the same boat...). I'm pleased to see Leckie and a few of the other youngsters getting a crack, but I'm disappointed that Carney is back in the fold so quickly after ending his bizarre jaunt around the world without playing football for 18 months. I would be much more comfortable seeing his name in the squad after 6 months of regular game time, not four games. I guess there is one thing to be said for Holger's squads: they get us talking!
Griffo
Roar Guru
Even with all of Holger's purring I can imagine Schwarzer isn't too happy. I'm surprised this hasn't happened before now - of course the other keepers need some experience. Carney is in solely to review the left back role. I expect he'll start at least one game there. Overall this squad smacks of a knee jerk reaction to the Brazil loss. If performances are still terrible in both matches then look for the blame on youth to cover Holger's backside and more experience back in next time...
AGO74
Guest
Ha! - I was thinking that was a very strong midfield!