Milicic unveils U23 AFC Championship squad

Milicic’s squad features 15 players currently contracted to A-League clubs, plus eight players pursuing their professional careers abroad.

To minimise impact on the A-League, a maximum of three players per club have been selected by Milicic for next month’s tournament. 

Milicic’s squad will gather in China in early January for a preparatory camp, which will include an international friendly against Thailand in Shanghai on January 6. The squad will then play its Group D matches against Syria (January 11), Vietnam (January 14), and Korea Republic (17 January) at the Kunshan Stadium in Jiangsu Province.

“This squad features a mix of European and A-League based players who will have the opportunity to show their quality both individually and collectively,” Milicic said.

“This group will realise huge benefits in their development by playing against some of the best teams in their age in Asia.

“Playing in and adapting to Asia will present many challenges, but we know the players will improve for these experiences.

“I have been with the senior team for the last four years and I can see how difficult it is in Asia, but also how our senior team has responded to the challenges. Experiencing different playing styles, cultures, atmospheres and traveling overseas helps players develop.

“With a FIFA World Cup just six months away this is the ideal opportunity for these players to impress."

Australia U23 Squad – 2018 AFC U23 Championship (China)