Osieck names strong Socceroos squad

Five Premier League players have been named in Australia’s squad for next month’s Asian Cup in Qatar.

Everton’s Tim Cahill, goalkeepers Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) and Brad Jones (Liverpool), Blackburn’s Brett Emerton and David Carney (Blackpool) have been named in Socceroos coach Holger Osieck’s squad.

The 23-man squad also includes Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill from Galatasaray in Turkey and AFC footballer of the year Sasa Ognevenovski.

The English Championship is also well represented with Leeds United midfielder Neil Kilkenny receiving his first call-up since the World Cup qualifier against China in 2008.

Middlesborough striker Scott McDonald and Hull City midfielder Richard Garcia are also included but Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici has surprisingly been omitted despite a strong showing and a penalty save in Australia’s recent 2-1 friendly victory over Poland in Krakow.

A-League stars Robbie Kruse (Melbourne Victory) and Brisbane Roar skipper Matt McKay were two of four Australian-based players in Osieck’s squad, the others being established Socceroos midfielder Jason Culina and Wellington Phoenix defender Jade North.

The Socceroos will assemble for a pre-tournament training camp in Dubai from Monday January 3, which will include a friendly clash against the United Arab Emirates, ahead of flying to Doha the following Thursday.

The Socceroos’ opening Group C match against India is on Monday, January 10.