Socceroos stick with European-based squad
Posted
Pim Verbeek has not called up an A-League players ahead of the season kick-off. (AAP: Julian Smith, file photo)
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has named an 18-man squad for the friendly match against South Africa to be played in London on August 19.
The squad is made up entirely of European-based players as the match is being held only days after the start of the A-League season.
Veteran defender Scott Chipperfield has been named after recovering from a foot injury that has prevented him from playing for Australia so far this year.
The Socceroos will take on the Netherlands in another friendly on September 6, three days before meeting Uzbekistan in Tashkent in the first match of their second round qualification process for the 2010 World Cup.
"We're looking forward to this match as part of our preparation for the crucial World Cup qualifier next month ," said Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said in a statement.
"I am very appreciative of the generosity of the coaches in the A-League earlier this year, in letting players join the national team in the season, but it's important now when a new season starts that the A-League can start with full strength squads."
Socceroos squad v South Africa:
Michael Beauchamp, Mark Bresciano, Nick Carle, Scott Chipperfield, Chris Coyne, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Vincenzo Grella, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Scott McDonald, Lucas Neill, Michael Petkovic, Mark Schwarzer, Mile Sterjovski, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire.
