Mathew Leckie, Adam Taggart named in A-League All-Stars squad
The A-League All-Stars contain a host of attackers but a key playmaker has withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons.
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Socceroos attackers Adam Taggart and Mathew Leckie have been named in the A-League All-Stars squad for Friday week’s clash against English Premier League club Newcastle, but Western United’s Brazilian star Daniel Penha has withdrawn from the contest.
All-Stars coach Patrick Kisnorbo named a 13-man preliminary squad on Wednesday, with additions to be made following this weekend’s A-League semi-final second-leg games involving Central Coast, Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory.
Playmaker Penha had been one of two players, along with Bayern Munich-bound teenager Nestory Irankunda, that had been named in the squad last month.
However, Penha now won’t play in the match at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium after returning to Brazil for personal reasons.
Perth Glory striker Taggart, who scored 20 goals this season to win the Golden Boot, and Melbourne City winger Leckie are part of an attacking arsenal that also includes Jets forward Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, who found the back of net 17 times in his club’s recently completed A-League campaign.
The All-Stars squad also includes classy creative pair Tolgay Arslan (Melbourne City) and Jay O’Shea (Brisbane Roar).
However, the squad doesn’t include Macarthur FC’s Mexican star Ulises Davila.
“There is no doubting the talent currently playing in the A-League,” Kisnorbo said.
“Within this squad we have a number of rising stars, Socceroos and international stars who will come together and compete with one of English football’s biggest clubs – Newcastle United.”
“I look forward to working with this group along with the final additions to the squad ahead of what will be a big night for Australian football.
“This squad is excited for this challenge – especially in front of fans who love our game – and they can’t wait to test themselves against world-class players who play in the best league in the world.”
Preliminary A-League All-Stars men’s squad: Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers), Kai Trewin (Brisbane Roar), Marcelo (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ben Garuccio (Western United), Jay O’Shea (Brisbane Roar), Jake Hollman (Macarthur FC), Tolgay Arslan (Melbourne City), Angus Thurgate (Western United), Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Nicolas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers).
Originally published as Mathew Leckie, Adam Taggart named in A-League All-Stars squad
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