Holger Osieck has selected six Hyundai A-League players in the Qantas Socceroos squad to face Oman in the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier in Sydney on 26 March.
Holger Osieck has selected six Hyundai A-League players in the Qantas Socceroos squad to face Oman in the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier in Sydney on 26 March.
In a 23-man squad that will be without captain Lucas Neill, Osieck has strengthened his defensive stocks with a largely local contingent.
Adelaide United keeper Eugene Galekovic and Central Coast Mariners stopper Mat Ryan will serve as back-up to No.1 Mark Schwarzer, while Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Jade North (Brisbane Roar) and Michael Thwaite (Perth Glory) will all be hoping to impress on home soil.
Victory striker Archie Thompson has also been called up for his 46th international cap.
Both North and Galekovic admitted they were was surprised by the call-up but North said it justified his decision to return to Brisbane and play in the A-League.
“For me, it was about coming back to play consistently and to find some form,” North said.
“Coming to Brisbane, they gave me an offer I couldn-t refuse and that includes the opportunity to work with the FFA on indigenous programs.
“To come back and get chosen for the national team, it-s come a lot sooner than I thought.”
Galekovic said that his selection did give him hope that if he continues his good form, he could cement a place in the squad.
“I was a little bit (surprised) considering all of the players from Europe and the Middle East were coming back, so it-s a surprise but I-m happy to go to Sydney and meet up with the boys,” the Adelaide keeper said.
“It-s always good to go [in camp] and try to prove yourself, and if something does pop up in the near future then you have something in Holger-s mind that you have a chance.
“Getting a sniff now it gives you that feeling that you-re in with a chance again, but it-s about performing every week for your club and if you do that, hopefully the coach picks the players that deserved to be picked.”
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