Aussie squad named for Thomond friendly
Tuesday, 4 August 2009 09:56Australia coach Pim Verbeek continues to test out his options ahead of next year's World Cup after naming three debutants for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Thomond Park on 12 August.
Verbeek has given plenty of players a chance to impress in his 18-month stint in charge of the national team, but is apparently still testing out his depth with the inclusion of new faces Oliver Bozanic, Aaron Mooy and Nikita Rukavytsya as well as giving another chance to Patrick Kisnorbo, Ante Covic and James Holland.
Scott Chipperfield, Vince Grella and Brett Emerton are the main absentees from the squad which will feature European-based players only, ruling out the likes of Josh Kennedy and Craig Moore.
Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell are named in the squad for the match which takes place just three days before the start of the English Premier League season, but there is no Mark Viduka with the former Socceroos captain still searching for a club.
Australia squad: Mark Schwarzer, Ante Covic; Patrick Kisnorbo, Lucas Neill, Rhys Williams, Jade North, Matthew Spiranovic, Adrian Madaschi, Luke Wilkshire; Mark Bresciano, James Holland, Dario Vidosic, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, Aaron Mooy, Harry Kewell, Oliver Bozanic, David Carney, Mile Jedinak; Scott McDonald, Brett Holman, Nikita Rukavytsya.
