Ange plays safe with Roos squad

ANGE Postecoglou has named his first Socceroos squad and drafted Alex Wilkinson and Ivan Franjic into an otherwise safe Socceroos squad, minus retiring veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer.

But Postecoglou has left out veterans Luke Wilkshire, Sasa Ognenovski, Archie Thompson, Brett Holman and Dave Carney for the Costa Rica clash.

Korean-based Wilkinson gets his first call-up to the Socceroos squad after an outstanding season in defence for Jeonbuk Hyundai in the K-League, while Franjic has been key to Brisbane Roar's flying start to the season.

The announcement of the squad has been tempered by the fact that Australia’s greatest ever goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer last night retired from international football, after he was originally selected in the squad.

Schwarzer retires as the most capped Socceroo player in history, representing Australia with pride in 109 appearances for the National Team, which included two FIFA World Cups.

Postecoglou paid tribute to Schwarzer: “Mark has been a tremendous servant for the National team.

"He is our most capped Socceroo, has been one of our best performers over a long period of time and he has always remained passionate about playing for Australia.

"I know the Australian football community will join me in paying tribute to Mark for everything he’s done for the Socceroos.”

The 22-man squad contains four Hyundai A-League players, Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory) and Michael Zullo (Adelaide United).

Ryan McGowan returns to the Socceroos squad after missing the previous matches against France and Canada as does Tom Rogic, who was ruled out of last month’s matches due to injury.

“I’m excited by the squad we have named to face Costa Rica on November 19 at Allianz Stadium and look forward to working with the players and staff when they come into camp early next week,” Postecoglou said.

“The first task is to have a good look at the bulk of the players who played a significant part in qualifying Australia for the 2014 World Cup and also giving opportunities to players I think have the ability to improve the team.

“I want to give every Australian player the best opportunity to stake a claim for Brazil and beyond.”

This will be the first international match between Australia and Costa Rica at senior men’s international level.

Costa Rica, who are currently placed at 31 in the FIFA World Rankings, have also qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after finishing in second place of the CONCACAF qualifiers.

Socceroos Squad for Costa Rica International Friendly – 19 November 2013

Oliver BOZANIC FC Luzern, SWITZERLAND

Mark BRESCIANO Al Gharafa, QATAR

Tim CAHILL New York Red Bulls, USA

Jason DAVIDSON SC Heracles Almelo, NETHERLANDS

Ivan FRANJIC Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA

James HOLLAND FK Austria Vienna, AUSTRIA

Mile JEDINAK Crystal Palace FC, ENGLAND

Josh KENNEDY Nagoya Grampus, JAPAN

Robbie KRUSE TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, GERMANY

Mitchell LANGERAK (gk) B.V. Borussia 09 Dortmund, GERMANY

Mathew LECKIE FSV Frankfurt 1899, GERMANY