Manchester United teenager James Overy headlines 11 inclusions in the Socceroos squad as Jackson Irvine and Riley McGree make long-awaited returns from injury.
Overy, who turns 18 this weekend, has earned his first senior call-up ahead of games against Venezuela and Colombia, having impressed with the Young Socceroos at the U20 World Cup.
The energetic Perth-born right-back recently signed his first professional contract with the Red Devils and had played under-19s for Scotland before committing to Australia.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has indicated he will cast his selection net wide, while injuries to Alessandro Circati, Jordy Bos, Jacob Italiano and Aziz Behich also forced his hand.
Irvine and McGree make long-awaited returns from foot injuries while Adelaide United skipper Craig Goodwin is also back in the squad — the only tested A-League Men player to feature.
Jackson Irvine has been named in the squad following injury. (Getty Images: Corbis/Steve Christo)
Australia face Venezuela on November 15 (AEDT) in Houston, Texas then Colombia in Queens, New York on November 19 (AEDT) — two of the host cities for next year’s World Cup finals.
Wisła Płock striker Deni Jurić, the younger brother of former Socceroos marksman Tomi Jurić, earns his first call-up at 28.
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Fresh off his first senior hat-trick, Sydney FC recruit Al Hassan Toure joins younger brother Mohamed Toure in the squad for the first time, with teammate Paul Okon-Engstler chasing a first cap.
Uncapped defender Jack Iredale (Hibernian) and one-cap defender Callum Elder (Derby County) are also among the European-based selections.
Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach has earned his first call-up, replacing Joe Gauci, while teammate Kai Trewin has been rewarded for his fine form as a defensive midfielder.
Daniel Arzani, Mitch Duke, Ajdin Hrustić, Hayden Matthews, Alexander Robertson and Patrick Yazbek drop out of the squad.
“It’s another opportunity to expand the depth and introduce players who have not yet been exposed to the Socceroos environment or senior international football,” Popovic said in a statement.
“We also welcome back some familiar faces, from Australia and abroad.
“I’ve had the chance to closely observe the opening rounds of the A-League season, and we believe this is the ideal time to integrate domestic players into the squad.
“We are delighted to be back in the United States to face strong South American opposition as we continue our preparations for the World Cup.”
Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach*, Paul Izzo, Mat Ryan
Defenders: Cameron Burgess, Miloš Degenek, Callum Elder, Jason Geria, Jack Iredale*, Lewis Miller, James Overy*, Kye Rowles
Midfielders: Max Balard, Cameron Devlin, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Riley McGree, Paul Okon-Engstler*, Aiden O’Neill, Kai Trewin*
Attackers: Martin Boyle, Nicholas D’Agostino, Craig Goodwin, Nestory Irankunda, Deni Jurić*, Al Hassan Toure*, Mohamed Toure
* denotes uncapped players
AAP