30-man Caltex Socceroos squad named for upcoming WCQs

Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou has named a 30-player squad for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.

There are three current Hyundai A-League players in the squad (James Troisi, Mark Milligan and Tim Cahill) while a further four who featured in the competition last season were also included (Jamie Maclaren, Matt Jurman, Riley McGree and Danny Vukovic). 

The latest Caltex Socceroos squad includes 22 players that competed at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and also welcomes back Mile Jedinak and Brad Smith who missed the Russian tournament due to injury.

Matthew Jurman receives his first call-up to the Caltex Socceroos squad and will be looking to make his debut along with James Jeggo, Awer Mabil, Riley McGree and Danny Vukovic.

Matt Jurman for Suwon Bluewings

Postecoglou is comfortable that the 30-players that he has named will be ready for the challenges that await in the final two group matches.

“We haven’t strayed too far from the players who went to the Confederations Cup and who we have had on the radar for a while, so not a great deal of change at this stage,” said Postecoglou.

“There are a few new faces as well to have a look at, but overall pretty pleased with the shape we are in.

In relation to the first fixture against Japan at Saitama Stadium, Postecoglou was optimistic about the encounter that awaits.

“It is going to be a great challenge playing away from home against one of the top nations but that’s what we like to embrace as a team.

Riley McGree.

“We are looking forward to going over there and hopefully getting three points which will put us in great shape for qualification.

When asked about the final group match against Thailand in Melbourne, Postecoglou knows that a large vocal home crowd will have a positive effect on the playing group.

“Wherever we have played away from home in this group there have been large crowds to support the home team which definitely makes a difference and we want the same in Melbourne.

“I know the players look forward to it. There is nothing better than playing on home soil, in front of a big crowd and hopefully getting a good win,” concluded Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou, Tim Cahill

The Caltex Socceroos squad will be trimmed to 23 players on Wednesday 23 August 2017.

The Caltex Socceroos will begin to assemble in Tokyo from Sunday 27 August 2017.

Caltex   Socceroos 30-Player squad for the following matches / tournaments:

  • 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier v Japan (Saitama; 31 August 2017)
  • 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier v Thailand (Melbourne; 5 September 2017)

 Name

Club, Country

A International Caps (Goals)

Mustafa AMINI

Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), Denmark

1 (0)

Aziz BEHICH

Bursaspor, Turkey

16 (2)

Tim CAHILL

Melbourne City FC, Australia

100 (48)

Milos DEGENEK

Yokohama F. Marinos, Japan

11 (0)

Adam FEDERICI

AFC Bournemouth, England

16 (0)

Alex GERSBACH

Rosenborg BK, Norway

3 (0)

Ajdin HRUSTIC

FC Groningen, Netherlands

1 (0)

Jackson IRVINE

Burton Albion FC, England

13 (1)

Mile JEDINAK

Aston Villa FC, England

71 (15)

James JEGGO

SK Sturm Graz, Austria

Tomi JURIC

FC Luzern, Switzerland

26 (7)

Matthew JURMAN

Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Korea Republic

Robbie KRUSE

VfL Bochum, Germany

55 (4)

Mitchell LANGERAK

VfB Stuttgart, Germany

8 (0)

Mathew LECKIE

Hertha BSC, Germany

44 (5)

Massimo LUONGO

Queens Park Rangers FC, England

29 (5)

Awer MABIL

F.C. Paços de Ferreira, Portugal

Jamie MACLAREN

SV Darmstadt 98, Germany

4 (0)

Ryan McGOWAN

Guizhou Zhicheng, China PR

20 (0)

Riley McGREE

Club Brugge KV, Belgium

Mark MILLIGAN

Melbourne Victory, Australia

59 (6)

Aaron MOOY

Huddersfield Town AFC, England

26 (5)

Tom ROGIC

Celtic FC, Scotland

27 (7)

Mathew RYAN

Brighton & Hove Albion FC, England

35 (0)

Trent SAINSBURY

Jiangsu Suning FC, China PR

27 (3)

Brad SMITH

AFC Bournemouth, England

15 (0)

Matthew SPIRANOVIC

Hangzhou Greentown FC, China PR

34 (0)

James TROISI

Melbourne Victory, Australia

32 (5)

Daniel VUKOVIC

KRC Genk, Belgium

Bailey WRIGHT

Bristol City FC, England

18 (1)

Caltex Socceroos v Thailand banner