New Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk has named his 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Norway and Colombia.
The two friendlies will mark the Dutchman's first games as head coach of the Socceroos as he continues to build a squad for the World Cup later this year.
Only three players were cut from the initial preliminary squad of 29 with left-back Alex Gersbach, goal-scorer Jamie Maclaren and perhaps the biggest shock, the omission of goalkeeper Mitch Langerak.
Having featured in eight Socceroos games, Langerak was overlooked in favour of compatriot Brad Jones who has been in stellar form with Eredivise champion Feyenoord.
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The squad features only four uncapped players with Andrew Nabbout, Dimitri Petratos, Aleksandar Susnjar and Danny Vukovic all looking to make their national debut.
Josh Brillante was rewarded for his brilliant form for Sydney FC and is one of four A-league stars along with Josh Risdon, James Troisi and Petratos to feature in the national team.
While former Newcastle Jet Andrew Nabbout's outstanding form, which saw him recently sign with the Urawa Red Diamonds, was also rewarded.
Coach Bert van Marwijk said he was looking foward to the opportunity to work with the squad in preparation for the 2018 World Cup.
“I am looking forward to the chance to get together with the players and work with them for the first time and to get to know them,” van Marwijk said.
“We must ensure that we get the maximum possible out of the next two weeks in camp, because our time is limited.
“Our friendly matches against Norway and Colombia will be important, but the focus, commitment and application of all the players, coaches and staff from day one until the moment we leave London will be crucial.
“We need to ensure that we use the time that we have together wisely so that we advance our preparations for Russia.”
BREAKING NEWS | Bert van Marwijk has confirmed his final 26-player squad for the @Socceroos friendlies against Norway and Colombia - https://t.co/vqxgG00A98 pic.twitter.com/IObgESIlde
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 13, 2018
Only three players have been cut from Van Marwijk’s prelim @socceroos squad.
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) March 13, 2018
Gersbach, Maclaren (surprise after scoring again) & Langerak.
Taking 26 to play Norway & Colombia. Nabbout, Petratos, Susjnar, Vukovic in line for debuts. Brillante, Jones, Meredith back in. ⚽️🇦🇺
Tim Cahill was also included despite his limited game time after recently signing with Millwall.
The Socceroos will begin camp in Oslo on March 19.
WHEN ARE THE SOCCEROOS FRIENDLIES?
March 23: Socceroos vs Norway, Oslo (Channel Ten, Fox Sports)
March 27: Socceroos vs Colombia, London (Channel Ten, Fox Sports)
SOCCEROOS SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic, Brad Jones.
DEFENDERS: Aziz Behich, Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman, James Meredith, Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury, Aleksandar Susnjar, Bailey Wright.
MIDFIELDERS: Josh Brillante, Mile Jedinak, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, James Troisi.
ATTACKERS: Tim Cahill, Tomi Juric, Robbie Kruse, Mattew Leckie, Andrew Nabbout, Nikita Rukavytsya, Dimitri Petratos.
