Lucas Neill will lead the Socceroos against New Zealand and Serbia. Photo / Getty Images
Despite missing the latter part of the Turkish season with a groin injury, captain Lucas Neill has been named in a 23-man Socceroos squad for upcoming home football friendlies against New Zealand and Serbia.
Neill, who plays his club soccer for Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, is joined in the squad by
Brett Emerton, who scored a crucial goal for Blackburn last weekend as they avoided relegation from the English Premier League.
But fellow top-liners Tim Cahill, David Carney, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer were unavailable for selection due to injury concerns.
The squad includes 12 players who were involved in the recent 2-1 win over Germany in Monchengladbach.
Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson has been rewarded for his performances in the AFC Champions League with his first selection under Holger Osieck.
With Schwarzer unavailable, Adam Federici, Mitchell Langerak and Nathan Coe will fight it out for the starting goalkeeper's spot.
Australia play New Zealand in Adelaide on June 5 and Serbia in Melbourne on June 7.
Australia: Alex Brosque, Nathan Coe, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Neil Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Mitchell Langerak, Jon McKain, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Matthew Spiranovic, Archie Thompson, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire, Michael Zullo.
- AAP
