The Socceroos named on Wednesday morning their squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers in both Sydney and Adelaide later this month, with Greek-born striker Apostolos Giannou set to make his debut.
Giannou came off the bench to represent Greece in a friendly match last year against Turkey, but represented Australia at under-17s level under Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou recently spoke to the China-based 26-year-old about a possible switch, and he has been included in a 23-man Socceroos squad.
Robbie Kruse, Matthew Spiranovic and Mitch Langerak were all recalled to the Socceroos squad including a host of fresh faces that included uncapped players Jason Geria, Alex Gerbasch and Apostolos Giannou.
They were also joined by Brad Smith, Chris Ikonomidis and Terry Antonis, with a total of nine changes made from the victory over Bangladesh last November in Perth.
The matches, which will be played at the Adelaide Oval against Tajikistan at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday March 24 and at Allianz Stadium against Jordan on Tuesday March 29 at Allianz Stadium will see Australia attempt to confirm their place in the third round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is to be held in Russia.
Australia have currently won five of their six matches, and will need at least a win and a draw to confirm their spot on top of group B. Two losses or two draws may see them drop to second.
That means they then have to play the other runner ups from group B, if they were in the top four of those runner ups’ or otherwise be bounced out of qualifying.
Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifier:
Terry Antonis, Nathan Burns, Tim Cahill, Adam Federici, Jason Geria, Alex Gersbach, Apostolos Giannou, Chris Ikonomidis, Mile Jedinak, Robbie Kruse, Mitchell Langerak, Mathew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Ryan McGowan, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Josh Risdon, Tommy Rogic, Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith, Matthew Spiranovic, Bailey Wright.
With AAP
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