Australia name squad for Germany friendly

Australia coach Holger Osieck has named a squad of 17 for the international friendly against Germany in Monchengladbach in two weeks’ time.

The squad includes 15 players who were part of the Socceroos side that finished runners-up at this year’s AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

Striker Nikita Rukavytsya returns to the squad after last being selected for the international friendly against Slovenia while Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak receives his first senior international call-up.

Striker Scot McDonald and young midfielder Tommy Oar are the most notable absentees, while goalkeeper Adam Federici appears to have lost his place as back-up keeper to Langerak. Veterans Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano are also missing.

Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay and Melbourne Victory striker Robbie Kruse are the only two A-League-based players in the squad.

Germany, who finished in third place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, are ranked third in the FIFA World Rankings and most recently drew 1-1 with Italy in a friendly match last month.

Socceroos squad: Tim Cahill (Everton FC, England), David Carney (Blackpool FC, England), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi SK, Turkey), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray SK, Turkey), Neil Kilnenny (Leeds United FC, England), Robbie Kruse (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Jon McKain (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar, Australia), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray SK, Turkey), Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa, Korea Republic), Nikita Rukavytsya (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham FC, England), Carl Valeri (U.S. Sassuolo Calcio, Italy), Luke Wilkshire (FK Dinamo Moscow, Russia)