Socceroos: Star pair Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic recalled to national squad for games against China and Vietnam
Just one A-League player, Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant, has been named in the Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers against China and Vietnam.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Playmakers Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic have been recalled to a Socceroos squad that includes just one A-League player – Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant – for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against China and Vietnam.
China-based Mooy and Celtic midfielder Rogic both missed the Socceroos’ four matches in their June qualifying hub in Kuwait, but return for the Friday morning’s clash against China in Qatar and the following week’s battle with Vietnam in Hanoi.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said “complications and challenges with travel, quarantine, and personal factors ruled several Australia-based players out of contention”.
They include “shattered” Melbourne City star Mat Leckie, who has only recently returned to Australia after a decade in Germany.
Sydney FC will allow Sky Blues fullback Grant to remain overseas between the September an October FIFA windows.
The agreement includes Grant continuing to train in a “high-performance environment” to allow him to maintain his fitness ahead of the 2021-22 A-League season.
It’s understood that new Melbourne Victory signing Chris Ikonomidis was willing to commit to a similar program to Grant’s until the Victory demanded that he return home in between FIFA match windows, which would have forced the attacking star to serve two weeks of hotel quarantine.
The squad includes three uncapped players – Greece-based goalkeeper Paul Izzo, Hull City’s Callum Elder, and former Adelaide United fullback Ryan Strain, who this year joined Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.
Italy-based Fran Karacic, who impressed in the June qualifiers, was ruled out with injury.
“For me it’s a good squad, it’s a squad that I’m excited about, one that I do believe will bring great energy into the camp, and that’s the most important thing, that they bring that energy in.” Arnold said.
“They know what it means to play for their country, and I expect that the boys will put a smile on all those Australian faces back at home.”
Socceroos squad: Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Milos Degenek, Kenny Dougall, Mitchell Duke, Callum Elder, Denis Genreau, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, James Jeggo, Awer Mabil, Ryan McGowan, Riley McGree, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Mat Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith, Harry Souttar, Ryan Strain, Adam Taggart, Lawrence Thomas, Danny Vukovic, Bailey Wright.
Originally published as Socceroos: Star pair Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic recalled to national squad for games against China and Vietnam
Australian coach outlawed by dictator
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been wiped from TV screens in North Korea with the rogue leader making things personal.
The only way Ange can salvage his Premier League dream
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham fate could be sealed if his team loses in the early hours of Monday morning. ROBBIE SLATER examines how the Aussie can save his job and what’s next if he’s sacked.