AFC - SYDNEY, Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell have been included in Graham Arnold’s 23-man squad for Australia’s maiden Asian Cup challenge.
Arnold had admitted to “some fears” that Viduka, who completed a move from Middlesbrough to Premier League local rivals Newcastle on Wednesday, would pull out of the tournament, while Cahill and Kewell have been battling injuries for the majority of the English domestic season.
Everton midfielder Cahill will not be risked in a warm-up match in Singapore on June 30, but will figure in the opening game of the campaign against Oman on July 8.
Sivasspor’s Michael Petkovic has won the battle for the third goalkeeper's berth behind Middlesbrough duo Mark Schwarzer and Brad Jones, while new Celtic striker Scott McDonald has been left out of the squad.
Former Newcastle defender Craig Moore had asked to be excused by Arnold, while Josip Skoko confirmed his international retirement on Wednesday and FC Basel defender Scott Chipperfield has opted to remain in Europe with his pregnant wife.
"I am very pleased with the squad and they will represent Australia with a lot of pride," coach Graham Arnold said in a statement.
"I have worked closely with the players and their clubs to manage the difficult balance between full time jobs in the clubs, for whom July is an exceptionally important time, and the players absolute desire and commitment to play for Australia."
Australia were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in a friendly in Sydney on Saturday and they will play a final tune-up in Singapore on June 30.
Australia, who topped their qualifying group, have been drawn in Group A for the tournament alongside Oman, Iraq and co-hosts Thailand, and will open their campaign against Oman in Bangkok on July 8.
Australia have been drawn in Group A of the tournament and will also face co-hosts Thailand and Iraq.
Australia squad Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer, Brad Jones, Michael Petkovic.
Defenders: Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton, Michael Beauchamp, Michael Thwaite, Mark Milligan, Patrick Kisnorbo.
Midfielders: Mark Bresciano, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Vince Grella, Mile Sterjovski, Luke Wilkshire, Jason Culina, Carl Valeri, Nick Carle, David Carney.
Forwards: Mark Viduka, John Aloisi, Archie Thompson, Brett Holman.
