Goodwin & Gersbach miss Socceroos cut

Mustafa Amini, Mark Birighitti, Rhyan Grant, Jimmy Jeggo and Riley McGree also missed out from the provisional 30-man squad named last week for the matches against Saudi Arabia and Brazil plus the Russia tournament.

Uncapped talent Ajdin Hrustic holds his place in the squad amid an international tug-of-war, along with Danny Vukovic and Dylan McGowan who are also yet to debut for the Socceroos.

The big names are all included with Aaron Mooy, Mitchell Langerak and Tom Rogic all on a high after club success, while Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie have recently secured moves.

This is the squad that will go to Adelaide, Melbourne, and Russia. #GoSocceroos #AUSvKSA #ConfedCup @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/eO7orRxmup

— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) May 30, 2017

Australia boss Ange Postecoglou said: “There has been some tough decisions in cutting the squad from 30 down to the final 23 but that’s a good sign of the strength of the squad we have been able to name and the depth we have been able to cultivate over the last three years.

“If you look through the squad we now have a core group of players who have played 30, 40 and more caps and have experienced World Cup, Asian Cup and the tough road of World Cup qualifying."

Two-time Socceroos left-back Gersbach and Sparta Rotterdam winger Goodwin appear most unlucky, but the former has struggled for game-time this season with Norwegian champions Rosenborg, while his replacement Aziz Behich has excelled in Turkey.

Goodwin was a bit-part player at Sparta for most of the season, but produced a goal and two assists on the final day of the Eredivisie campaign, helping his side avoid relegation.

 

I left home at 16 to chase my dreams and yesterday made it all worth it 🙌🙌🏟

A post shared by AARON MOOY (@aaronmooy) on May 30, 2017 at 3:01am PDT

“There are some players who are unlucky to miss out but if you look at the 23 players we have selected everyone has earned their Socceroos call up whether they are one of the experienced players with World Cup and Asian Cup experience or the three uncapped players," Postecoglou said.

“June is a big month and we will need to test that depth but initially our focus is solely on the World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia at Adelaide Oval on June 8.” 

Postecoglou’s squad will arrive in Adelaide on a high with a number of players coming off huge seasons in Australia and around the globe with many claiming trophies, promotion and against-the-odds victories in relegation battles including Bailey Wright, Massimo Luongo and Jackson Irvine.

“We’re pleased with the momentum a lot of the players will bring into camp with good form, fitness and success with their clubs,” Postecoglou said.`

Massive month ahead!Proud and honoured to be a part of it! Looking forward to getting into camp with the boys and working hard @Socceroos 🇦🇺

— Danny Vukovic (@vuka20) May 30, 2017

“Many of the boys will come into camp on the back of winning trophies and breakthrough seasons and that confidence and enthusiasm will help us in Adelaide and beyond.

“We face a very tough test against Saudi Arabia and then the opportunity to play four big nations in Australia and overseas.

“The next four weeks will be crucial in our quest to not only qualify for the 2018 World Cup but to make an impact when we get there.”

The squad will begin assembling in Adelaide late this week, while a handful of players will arrive over the weekend and Monday due to club commitments including Tomi Juric, Aziz Behich, Ryan McGowan and Milos Degenek.