Holly McNamara wins Matildas call-up with Cortnee Vine, Alex Chidiac out of Canada friendly clashes

Rising star Holly McNamara has been called into the Matildas squad for their friendly series with Canada while a fan favourite will miss out.

Holly McNamarahas been called up to the Matildas squad for friendly clashes against Canada. Picture: Getty Images

A-League rising star Holly McNamara has earned a call-up to the Matildas for their upcoming friendlies with Canada on the back of her superb hat-trick last weekend – but a pair of fan favourites will miss the two-match series.

McNamara, 20, is the A-League women’s golden boot leader, with four goals, three of which she scored last weekend in Melbourne City’s 4-3 win against Western Sydney Wanderers.

The rising star hasn’t played in the green and gold since April.

McNamara had been a contender to make the FIFA Women’s World Cup team but was ruled out after tearing her ACL in February 2022.

Veteran defender Aivi Luik is also back in the squad after missing the Olympic qualifiers in Perth due to injury.

Luik’s had a good run since the World Cup helping her Swedish side BK Hacken to finish second in the league.

Holly McNamara has earned a call-up to the Matildas. Picture: Getty Images

Making way for the McNamra and Luik are fan favourites Cortnee Vine and Alex Chidiac.

Vine hasn’t played since injuring her hamstring in the qualifiers in Perth and Chidiac has had very limited minutes on the pitch with Tigres UANL.

After featuring as a train-on player for the Olympic qualifiers Charlize Rule, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, has earn a full call-up this series.

Tony Gustvasson said while the December games were friendlies they still had an important role to play in the lead-up to the Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan in February 2024.

“We know plenty about Canada with some fierce battles over the past 18 months,” Gustavsson said.

Cortnee Vine has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Picture: Getty Images

“These final 180 minutes of the year against a nation that has already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are the type of preparation matches that are invaluable for the players.”

“Our selected squad continues to meld established performers with some new players that have impressed in their league form recently.

“The two matches will allow us to continue evolving our play heading into the final phase of Olympic Qualification and beyond against a challenging opponent.

“It is critical to our continued growth as a team and for the players to test ourselves against quality nations.”

The games are scheduled to be played at 2.30pm (AEDT) on December 2 in Langford and 2pm (AEDT) on December 6 in Vancouver.

Originally published as Holly McNamara wins Matildas call-up with Cortnee Vine, Alex Chidiac out of Canada friendly clashes