Patrick Kisnorbo `humbled’ to coaching A-League All-Stars against Newcastle United

Patrick Kisnorbo is remaining focused on coaching the A-League All-Stars despite being linked to Western Sydney Wanderers.

A-League All-Stars mentor Patrick Kisnorbo cast aside speculation about his coaching future after finalising his squad for Friday’s showdown with English Premier League club Newcastle United with the addition of eight players from losing semi-final teams Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC.

Five Phoenix players – goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, defenders Tim Payne and Scott Wootton, and attacking weapons Ben Old and Bozhidar Kraev – were named in the squad for the Marvel Stadium battle after their club team’s season ended with a 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory.

With Sydney’s season also over after failing to overcome the Central Coast Mariners, Sky Blues trio Luke Brattan, Jordan Courtney-Perkins and Rhyan Grant were also added to the All-Stars contingent now totalling 21 after 13 players had already been confirmed.

“We had a busy weekend moving the magnets around as we watched the semi-final second legs unfold,” Kisnorbo said.

“This squad is a fantastic mix of the best talent across the A-League, including seven under-23s and four internationals.

“We now have four days to prepare and work hard together. This is an opportunity for all our A-League players to test themselves against a formidable team.

“The whole squad is excited to play a team from the best league in the world.”

A-League All-Stars coach Patrick Kisnorbo has been linked with the vacant Western Sydney Wanderers job. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Former Melbourne City coach Kisnorbo has been linked to the vacant Western Sydney Wanderers job, as well as possible openings that may emerge at the Victory and Perth Glory.

“I’m just worrying about the A-League All Stars, and that’s it,” Kisnorbo said.

“For me it’s just concentrating on what’s present, and the A-League All-Stars is present at the moment.

“It’s an opportunity to coach, which I love to do, and I’m very humbled and excited to do that.”

A-League All-Stars squad:Goalkeepers: Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix), Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers). Defenders: Kai Trewin (Brisbane Roar/Melbourne City), Jordan Courtney-Perkins (Sydney FC), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Scott Wootton (Wellington Phoenix), Marcelo Guedes (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ben Garuccio (Western United); Midfielders: Jay O’Shea (Brisbane Roar), Jake Hollman (Macarthur FC), Tolgay Arslan (Melbourne City), Luke Brattan (Sydney FC), Bozhidar Kraev (Wellington Phoenix), Ben Old (Wellington Phoenix), Angus Thurgate (Western United). Forwards: Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Nicolas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers).