Verbeek names initial squadSocceroos name 31-man party
Last updated: 11th May 2010
Australia have named 11 British-based players in their preliminary World Cup squad.Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek has named a 31-man initial squad for the finals, although goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic is only added as cover.
Verbeek has named Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton and Vince Grella, despite the quartet all carrying injuries, but all four are expected to go to South Africa.
Verbeek has had to defend calling up Kewell, despite his injury problems, saying: "There are rumours, there are opinions, but Harry will be ready.
"The medical staff and Harry himself convinced me that Harry will be OK.
"We still have five weeks to prepare for the first game against Germany, so don't worry, Harry will be there."
The current squad features 14 players who went to the World Cup four years ago, when Australia progressed to the second round.
Of the British players, all three goalkeepers going to the finals are based in England - Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading) and Brad Jones (Middlesbrough).
Verbeek has called up 18-year-old starlet Tommy Oar following his recent move to FC Utrecht.
"It's great for Australian football we have a player like him," said Verbeek.
"He made a big impression in a few weeks playing in the Netherlands."
Australia squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Adam Federici (Reading), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)
Defenders: Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira), David Carney (FC Twente) Scott Chipperfield (Basle), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Craig Moore (unattached), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Jade North (Tromso)
Midfielders: Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Tim Cahill (Everton), Nicky Carle (Crystal Palace), Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Richard Garcia (Hull), Vince Grella (Blackburn), James Holland, Brett Holman (both AZ Alkmaar), Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi), Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Dario Vidosic (Nurnberg)
Strikers: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente). http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6146671,00.html
