Supreme young talent Mary Fowler back with Matildas for World Cup warm-up

The Matildas have one of Australia’s brightest young talents back in their arsenal two months out from the World Cup, with coach Ante Milici naming a strong squad to face the United States.

Update: A schoolgirl prodigy feared lost to Ireland has committed to Australia, while a host of regular Matildas stars have effectively already booked tickets to France.

Yet up to a third of Ante Milicic’s World Cup squad may still be there for the taking after the new coach confirmed the door remains open even to those not selected for next month’s tune-up friendly with the United States.

Mary Fowler’s return to the fold headlines the second squad Milicic’s tenure, one that will test themselves against the world No. 1 Americans in Colorado on April 5.

The young striker, who’s just turned 16, was targeted by former coach Alen Stajcic as boasting “the most amount of weapons” he’s seen in a female player her age, and she became the fifth-youngest player to debut for the Matildas at last July’s Tournament of Nations, coming on against Brazil aged 15 years and 162 days.

Young talent Mary Fowler has returned to the Matildas. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Some three months later Fowler’s father withdrew her from November’s home friendly series against Chile in favour of putting her through a sprint training program with Cristiano Ronaldo’s speed coach and then a series of trials with European clubs including Chelsea, West Ham and Manchester City.

At the time the spurn bewildered both Football Federation Australia and Stajcic, whose subsequent comments about the Fowlers’ “alternative lifestyle” triggered enough tension to spark fears she might defect to the Republic of Ireland.

But Fowler – and her talented siblings – returned to Australia this month and has been playing for Bankstown City Lions and training with the Future Matildas under Gary van Egmond.

Milicic said he “didn’t need to do a sell-job”, and should she prove she can replicate in the flesh the powerful attacking quality he’s seen on video, she could yet make her competitive debut at a World Cup in the same way Daniel Arzani did for the Socceroos in Russia.

“Players sometimes have difficult decisions to make, but we’re delighted she’s expressed interest to play for Australia,” Milicic said.

Chloe Logarzo returns to the Matildas. Picture: Elsa/Getty Images

“For her now to commit to playing for Australia is fantastic news, not only for us but also her development.

“She’s only 16, she’s got a long career ahead of her. Coming into our set-up as a strong footballing nation can only benefit her in the long term.”

Fowler is one of five players called up who weren’t involved in the Cup of Nations, with Katrina Gorry and Chloe Logarzo returning from injury and uncapped duo, Sydney FC defender Elizabeth Ralston and goalkeeper Teagan Micah, also in.

Veteran all-time top-scorer Lisa De Vanna, a source of much selection conjecture, is also on the sheet, while the continued omission of Michelle Heyman has seemingly spelled an end to the forward’s hopes.

On top of that sit a bunch of maybes, prospects in every third of the field on constant rotation under Milicic’s magnifying glass.

While he “wouldn’t want to put a number” on how many spots remain up for grabs, the former Socceroos assistant stressed those training and playing regularly in full-time environments held an advantage.

Who stays and who goes come the final World Cup squan announcement in May is anyone’s guess.

Coach Ante Milicic talks with Sam Kerr during an Australian Matildas training session. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Ralston, for instance, is uncapped but coming off a tremendous W-League season and could challenge Laura Alleway for a spot in the heart of defence.

Meanwhile, Aivi Luik’s second-straight selection will make for an intriguing midfield battle while injured stalwart Kyah Simon races the clock as rising stars like Princess Ibini - albeit omitted from the Cup of Nations line-up - continue to impress.

“Kyah needs to get over her injuries, and that means playing with her American club,” Milicic said.

“To be fit is one thing, to be fit and in form is another issue. That goes for the whole squad.

“I want to see as many players as I can live - how they take in information, handle themselves and execute the footballing style we want to play.

“This is another opportunity to see another five players live. I was happy with how the first camp went, but just because players have missed out on this one doesn’t mean they’re not a chance to be on the plane to France.”