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Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has selected a 23-man squad for the second round of World Cup qualifiers including Tomi Juric.
The team has plenty of experience with every player credited with at least two international appearances for the Socceroos. It’s just the second time in the Postecoglou era that a squad has been selected with no uncapped players.
“This squad sets us up well for the huge challenge we have ahead over the next 12 months to qualify for the World Cup but importantly it is specific to the first task at hand, which is Iraq in Perth and then the UAE in Abu Dhabi,” Postecoglou said.
Juric, who recently signed with Luzern in Switzerland will have his chance to impress once again.
The Socceroos will have no shortage of strike power with Nathan Burns, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie all selected.
The Socceroos face Iraq and the UAE next month with Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Japan also in the group.
“Both Iraq and UAE present challenges for us and every player will need to be ready to hit the ground running. As has been the case right through, form and fitness are central to the squad we’ve selected and I believe we have the squad to get us off to a good start,” Postecoglou said.
AP: We'll always keep an open mind with new players but the end goal is qualifying, and qualifying well #AUSvIRQ
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) August 17, 2016
As always Tim Cahill will look to provide inspiration as the Socceroos’ most experienced player. Having moved back to Australia to play for Melbourne City, Cahill is now the only member of the Socceroos who isn’t playing club football overseas.
However, Postecoglou hinted that he’s always willing to look to the A-League for in-form players.
“We have a much broader group of players that we know we can rely on and others from outside the group will make a strong contribution in the coming months, particularly from within the A-League, which is yet to get underway for this season.”
“Some of our players have made moves during the off season and I’m pleased that the vast majority will come into the camp with a good pre season and a few meaningful matches under their belt,” he said.
Socceroos squad for World Cup Qualifiers v Iraq and UAE
Nathan BURNS
Tim CAHILL
Milos DEGENEK
Adam FEDERICI
Alex GERSBACH
Apostolos GIANNOU
Chris IKONOMIDIS
Jackson IRVINE
Mile JEDINAK
Tomi JURIC
Robbie KRUSE
Mitchell LANGERAK
Mathew LECKIE
Massimo LUONGO
Ryan MCGOWAN
Mark MILLIGAN
Aaron MOOY
Tommy ROGIC
Mathew RYAN
Trent SAINSBURY
Brad SMITH
Matthew SPIRANOVIC
Bailey WRIGHT
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